Keinan Davis scored the decisive goal in the 35th minute as the Serie A side secured their place in the next round at the Bluenergy Stadium.
Okoye started despite missing the entire pre-season with a shoulder injury, yet he repaid Runjaic’s faith with a composed performance, making important saves and keeping a clean sheet.
The Udinese boss was pleased with Okoye’s contribution, particularly after his lengthy spell on the sidelines.
“Okoye was playing his first game back from injury and kept a clean sheet. The overall record is good, but we don’t want to get too excited; we need to stay focused ahead of the Como match,” Runjaic told the club’s official website.
Okoye will now hope to build on his impressive return and establish himself as a regular starter for Udinese this season.