Turci backs Okoye to keep Udinese starting spot

Former Udinese goalkeeper Luigi Turci has backed Nigeria international Maduka Okoye to retain his starting place despite his costly error in the 2-1 defeat to Torino.

Okoye came under criticism after his mistake contributed to Udinese’s loss in Monday’s Serie A encounter, but Turci believes the goalkeeper should be given another opportunity to redeem himself when they face Lecce on Sunday.

Speaking to Messaggero Veneto, Turci said dropping the Nigerian simply to punish him for the error would not be the right decision.

“After a mistake like that, there’s no point in holding a goalkeeper out to punish him,” Turci said.

“Looking at it from the outside, Okoye must have the utmost confidence and be the starting player against Lecce, provided he’s calm.”

However, the former goalkeeper warned that Okoye must deliver consistent performances to justify the trust placed in him, stressing that his position was not guaranteed indefinitely.

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“Credit has a deadline, and he has to earn his place, because if you don’t provide guarantees in the long run, there’s nothing written that says you cannot be replaced,” he added.

Turci also identified areas where the 26-year-old needs to improve, praising his athletic ability while questioning his technical development and judgement in dangerous situations.

“Potentially, he is of a very high level because of his outstanding athleticism, but he is still extremely raw and needs to work considerably on the technical aspects of goalkeeping,” he said.

The Italian also suggested that Okoye’s confidence could sometimes work against him, explaining that his personality was both a strength and a weakness.

He criticised the goalkeeper’s decision to intervene when teammate Nicolò Bertola was already dealing with the danger against Torino, arguing that better communication and judgement were required.

Okoye will now hope to respond positively as Udinese prepare for Lecce, with Turci insisting that confidence, rather than immediate punishment, could help the Nigerian recover his form.