Udinese coach blames Okoye-Bertola error for 2-1 loss to Torino
Udinese lost 2-1 to Torino in Serie A on Monday evening after a collision between goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and defender Nicolo Bertola let Sandro Kulenović score into an empty net. Udinese had equalised through Jurgen Ekkelenkamp following Daniel Bragança’s first-half goal, but the defensive mistake restored Torino’s lead in the second half.
The defeat marks Udinese's fourth consecutive loss, leaving manager Kosta Runjaic unhappy. Runjaic said the error by Okoye and Bertola cost the team a draw, stating that without it the match would have ended level. He added that the side remains dissatisfied despite a respectable performance.
For Nigerian fans, the mistake is notable because Okoye is the Super Eagles' first-choice goalkeeper. His form at club level directly influences national team selections and confidence ahead of upcoming qualifiers. Udinese will need to address communication between its goalkeeper and backline to avoid similar costly errors.
Will Okoye regain his composure and tighten Udinese's defence in the next match, or should the Super Eagles coach consider a different goalkeeper option for the forthcoming qualifiers?