Maduka Okoye sets new Serie A clean sheet record in Udinese's victory over AC Milan
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye achieved a career-defining performance, securing his third consecutive clean sheet in Serie A during Udinese's 3-0 win against AC Milan at the San Siro. This marks a new personal record for Okoye in the league. He was a standout performer, anchoring Udinese's defense against Milan's 20 shots, with only three on target. Okoye made crucial saves, notably denying Luka Modri膰 twice. This clean sheet follows shutouts against Genoa and Como, demonstrating a new level of consistency for the goalkeeper. His recent form has been vital for Udinese, especially after returning from a thigh injury. In the 2025/26 campaign, the 26-year-old has played 24 league matches, conceding 26 goals and keeping eight clean sheets. He has made 67 saves with a 72% save percentage and has prevented 4.5 goals. Okoye has also saved one of six penalties faced and has a proactive style, acting as a sweeper six times and completing 19 high claims. In possession, he has a 63.1% pass success rate, including 166 accurate long balls. This performance strengthens his position as Nigeria's first-choice goalkeeper amidst competition from Arthur Okonkwo and Stanley Nwabali.
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The Federal Government has initiated a nationwide vocational and skills acquisition program for over 18,000 artisans and unemployed Nigerians. Training is scheduled to commence on Tuesday at 229 accredited centers across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This initiative, implemented by the National Social Investment Programme Agency NSIPA, aims to provide participants with vocational skills, entrepreneurship training, and trade-specific starter packs to foster self-employment and reduce poverty. Dr. Bernard Doro, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, stated that the program aligns with President Bola Tinubu鈥檚 Renewed Hope Agenda, moving vulnerable Nigerians towards economic self-reliance. The two-week training targets individuals with existing basic vocational knowledge, offering additional technical skills to enhance productivity. The ministry has established a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, including a digital tracking system for beneficiaries and distributed starter packs. Badamasi Lawal, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of NSIPA, confirmed that the program will be delivered through accredited government technical colleges, vocational institutions, and approved training centers. Participants will receive training in 14 vocational trades, such as automobile technology, agriculture, baking, carpentry, electrical installation, and fashion design. Beneficiaries will also undergo entrepreneurship training cov
Nigeria's National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, met with the newly confirmed United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, in Abuja. This meeting aimed to strengthen security cooperation between the two nations. Garcia's visit to Nigeria is his first since assuming office on June 1, 2026, and is part of a West African tour that includes C么te d'Ivoire and Mali. Ribadu stated on X that the discussion reviewed progress by the Nigeria-US Joint Working Group and reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and cooperation on shared security priorities. Garcia, a 28-year US Navy veteran, previously served as a senior adviser to the chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. His appointment filled a vacancy in the Africa post that had lasted over a year.
The president of the Senegalese football federation, Abdoulaye Fall, stated on Monday that coach Pape Thiaw's salary demands created a toxic environment for the team at the World Cup. Thiaw, 45, was sacked on Sunday after Senegal's elimination in the last 32 by Belgium on July 1. Fall explained that a breakdown in trust occurred due to Thiaw's initial refusal to sign a new contract, as he had requested a salary increase from 20 million CFA to 30,000 CFA before the World Cup. Fall also mentioned that Thiaw threatened not to travel to the World Cup if his demands were not met, and it was Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye who convinced him to change his mind. The contract was eventually signed on the eve of their second game against Norway, after Thiaw reportedly refused to sit in the dugout until it was finalized. Fall indicated that Thiaw believed federation officials were his enemies, which affected the national team's operations. During the World Cup, the Lions of Teranga experienced two group stage defeats against France and Norway before a 5-0 victory over Iraq secured their place in the knockout rounds. Under Thiaw, Senegal had won the Africa Cup of Nations in January but were later stripped of the title for walking off the pitch during the final against Morocco.