Maduka Okoye joins Vincent Enyeama in European clean sheet milestone

David Akande

Maduka Okoye became the second Nigerian goalkeeper to achieve a double-digit clean sheet in a top five European league after recording his 10th clean sheet of the season for Udinese Calcio in their 2-0 win over Cagliari Calcio in Serie A. He joins Vincent Enyeama, who recorded 17 clean sheets in the French Ligue 1 a decade ago.

Nigerian goalkeepers have often struggled to establish themselves in Europe’s top five leagues, while the Nigerian national football team has struggled with instability at the position since Enyeama’s departure from European football.

Okoye has now joined Enyeama as the only Nigerian goalkeepers to record a double-digit clean sheet in Europe’s top five leagues.

Despite his previous struggles, Okoye has found stability in Serie A and if he remains consistent, he could help bring long-awaited stability to the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping department.