Udinese manager Kosta Runjaic has praised Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye despite the club’s disappointing 3-0 defeat to Lecce in Serie A on Sunday.

The Nigerian goalkeeper came under scrutiny after his mistake contributed to Torino’s decisive goal in Udinese’s previous league match. However, Runjaic maintained his confidence in the 27-year-old.

Lecce secured victory through goals from Gaspar, Konan N’Dri and Jamil Siebert, handing Udinese their fifth consecutive defeat in the Italian top flight. Okoye retained his place in goal despite the criticism surrounding his recent error.

Despite conceding three goals, Okoye produced several important saves, denying N’Dri and Kaba before making further interventions against Geubbels, including a crucial stop in a one-on-one situation.

Speaking after the match, Runjaic admitted that his team had failed to perform to the expected standard but singled out Okoye for praise.

“Except for Davis and Alaba in the first half, the team didn’t show its best side, and we made numerous mistakes. Okoye also played well and contributed,” the Udinese manager said.

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He added: “Nevertheless, in general terms, success and failure are collective experiences. I did not expect a game of this nature.” Okoye has made eight appearances for Udinese in all competitions this season, with his only clean sheet coming against Padova in the Coppa Italia on August 15.