Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has publicly apologized following his early exit, which significantly contributed to his team’s 5-1 loss against Fiorentina in their Serie A clash on Sunday.

The Nigerian shot-stopper was dismissed just eight minutes into the match due to a rash tackle on Fiorentina’s Moise Kean. Referee Maurizio Mariani issued a straight red card, opting not to consult VAR, which left Udinese facing nearly the entire game with just 10 players.

Early dismissal turns the contest

The absence of Okoye quickly impacted the game, allowing Fiorentina to seize control.

Rolando Mandragora broke the deadlock in the 21st minute, and Albert Guðmundsson extended the lead just before the break. Cher Ndour scored a third in first-half injury time, effectively securing the win for Fiorentina.

The onslaught continued into the second half, with Kean adding a fourth goal in the 56th minute, further asserting Fiorentina’s dominance.

Udinese briefly responded through Oumar Solet in the 66th minute, but Kean struck again three minutes later to complete a comprehensive victory for the hosts.

“I’m sorry, Bianconeri”

Okoye reacted after the match by taking responsibility for the outcome, issuing a brief apology to supporters and the club.

“I’m sorry, Bianconeri,” he wrote on Snapchat.

Suspension concerns and wider implications

The red card could rule Okoye out for up to three Serie A matches, with the goalkeeper expected to miss Udinese’s final fixture of the year against Lazio on December 27.

The setback also comes amid questions over his international future, after he opted out of Nigeria’s squad for the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, reportedly due to concerns over playing as a backup to first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

For Fiorentina, the result marked their first league win of the season after 16 matches, ending a run of nine defeats and six draws and providing a much-needed morale boost.