Super Eagles stars Akor Adams and Maduka Okoye are set to face each other in a crucial Italian Serie A encounter when Venezia host Udinese at the Stadio Penzo on Friday, according to a report by PUNCH on November 6, 2026. Interestingly, both clubs are seeking to escape the relegation zone following disappointing starts to the season.

Adams' Venezia currently occupy the bottom position with three points from 10 matches. Meanwhile, Okoye's Udinese are only two points ahead of them, having collected five points from the same number of games.

It should be noted that both teams have recently changed managers in an attempt to improve their fortunes. Venezia replaced Giovanni Stroppa with Davide Nicola after losing their opening six matches. Interestingly, Nicola secured his first victory against Napoli on October 17, with Adams scoring the decisive goal in the 1-0 triumph. However, Venezia have suffered three consecutive defeats since then, failing to score against Genoa, Inter Milan and Como.

It is interesting to note that 26-year-old Adams joined Venezia from Sevilla in July. However, he has scored only twice in the league this season. Meanwhile, the forward has also expressed his willingness to improve under his new manager and contribute to the team's recovery.

Okoye also faces another difficult assignment after Udinese's humiliating 5-2 home defeat to Roma on October 31. The goalkeeper conceded five goals, four in the first half. This was nothwithstanding the fact that he recently producing a penalty save and clean sheet against Parma. The defeat resulted in the dismissal of German coach Kosta Runjaic, with Paolo Zanetti appointed as his replacement.

Udinese have lost seven of their last eight matches, recording their worst start to a season this century. The visitors will nevertheless draw confidence from their recent head-to-head record, having won five of their last seven Serie A meetings against Venezia.