Maduka Okoye conceded twice as Udinese suffered a 2-0 home defeat to AC Milan in Serie A on Sunday, while fellow Nigerian Samuel Chukwueze missed the encounter through injury.
The Super Eagles goalkeeper started between the posts for Udinese at the Bluenergy Stadium but could not prevent his side from losing to Ruben Amorim’s men.
Christian Pulisic opened the scoring for Milan in the sixth minute after receiving a well-timed pass from Luka Modric. The American forward capitalised on a defensive lapse before slotting the ball past Okoye.
Udinese struggled to find an equaliser as Milan maintained control of the contest.
The hosts created opportunities to get back into the game but failed to make their chances count.
Milan doubled their advantage in the 65th minute through Omari Hutchinson, who reacted quickest to a rebound after Okoye had parried Ardon Jashari’s effort.
The goal was Hutchinson’s first for the Italian giants and put Milan firmly in control of the encounter.
Okoye, however, produced important saves to keep the scoreline respectable, including a notable stop to deny Gonçalo Ramos in the second half.
The defeat marked another difficult outing for the Nigerian goalkeeper, who has now conceded 18 goals in seven Serie A appearances this season.
Meanwhile, Chukwueze was unavailable for Milan as he continued his recovery from a thigh injury.
The winger’s absence meant there was no Nigerian face-off between the two compatriots, with Okoye representing Udinese while Chukwueze watched from the sidelines.
The victory strengthened Milan’s position in the Serie A campaign, while Udinese were left to reflect on a disappointing home performance.
