Udinese Technical Director Gianluca Nani has lavished praise on Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, following his return to the starting lineup after serving a betting-related suspension.

Okoye was immediately reinstated in goal during Udinese’s Serie A clash against Cremonese on Monday night.

Despite missing the first six league matches of the new campaign, the 26-year-old showed no signs of rust or inactivity.

Romanian international Razvan Sava deputised in all six matches during the absence of the former Watford goalkeeper.

Speaking in his post-match reaction, Nani revealed that Okoye has been in fantastic form during training sessions.

“Okoye has trained really well in recent weeks; it was almost impossible to score against him in training,” Nani said.

“We’re really happy he’s back because he’s our starting goalkeeper and there were never any doubts. But I want to thank whoever replaced him, who did very well.”

Okoye will now be eyeing a return to the Super Eagles squad ahead of the crucial World Cup playoff against Gabon next month.

WDN