Udinese returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Torino in their Serie A Matchday 35 clash, lifting them back into the top half of the table. Kingsley Ehizibue opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time, marking his second consecutive match with a goal, after an earlier disallowed effort for Nicolo Zaniolo due to a VAR offside call. Lennon Miller added a second goal in the second half, heading in a corner from Thomas Kristensen to seal the win. Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye made a crucial early save to deny Giovanni Simeone, maintaining the hosts' composure before their breakthrough. Udinese's defence held firm despite late pressure from Torino, who remained unbeaten in only four of their previous five matches. Ehizibue completed 87% of his passes, won three duels, and earned a match-high 8.1 rating on Sofascore, while Okoye's reliable presence between the posts contributed to a clean sheet. The win marked Udinese's 13th league victory of the season, restoring their push for a top-half finish for the first time since 2012-13.
Ehizibue scoring in consecutive matches is unexpected from a defender with only one prior Serie A goal this season. This result tightens Udinese's grip on 10th place, distancing them from mid-table challengers. His performance strengthens his case for more consistent selection, though his 2020 Super Eagles call-up remains his only national team recognition. Okoye's steady display adds to Nigeria's pool of active goalkeepers in top European leagues.
💡 NaijaBuzz Take is AI-assisted editorial opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →