Udinese forward, Florian Thauvin, was excited to see Maduka Okoye in action again after the goalkeeper’s injury layoff.

Okoye was sidelined for over three months after undergoing surgery for a wrist injury last December.

The shot stopper made his first appearance in 2025 in the Zebras 1-1 draw with Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday night.

The Nigeria international was impressive between the sticks, and earned plaudits from Thauvin, who scored Udinese’s only goal of the game.

“I’m back to my best levels, I’m happy. I worked every day to get back to this level, but without a team, great performances don’t come,” the Frenchman told the club’s official website.

“We’re having a great season, I’m happy for Maduka – who came back and had a great performance – and I’m happy for the team. It’s an important point and we have to continue like this.”

Serie A: Thauvin thumbs up Maduka Okoye’s performance against Lazio