Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has returned to full fitness and resumed training with Udinese, following a lengthy injury layoff, Tutto Udinese reports.
The 25-year-old shot-stopper had been sidelined since December after undergoing surgery to repair a torn scapholunate ligament in his right wrist. However, fresh reports from Italy confirm that Okoye is back in training and could be available for selection in Udinese’s upcoming clash against Napoli.
In a statement on Wednesday, Tutto Udinese highlighted the return of several injured players, including Okoye, to training:
“A day of returns at the Bruseschi sports centre, where during Udinese’s training session, several players who had been out in recent weeks due to injuries were seen back on the pitch.”
“In addition to Keinan Davis and Kingsley Ehizibue, Maduka Okoye also took part in the session leading up to the match against Napoli. The Nigerian goalkeeper, who has been recovering from a wrist injury since early December, has now started training with his teammates again.
Okoye’s return comes as a major boost for new Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, who is preparing for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda (March 21) and Zimbabwe.
After four qualifying matches, the three-time African champions sit in fifth place with just three points—four points behind leaders Rwanda—with six games left to play. Securing Okoye’s availability could be vital as Chelle looks to reignite Nigeria’s qualification hopes.
While Okoye’s return to the pitch is good news for Udinese and Nigeria, he remains embroiled in an off-field controversy. The Udine Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating him over suspicious betting activity linked to a yellow card he received in a Serie A match against Lazio in March 2024.
Despite his injury setback, Okoye has been a key player for Udinese this season:
14 Serie A appearances
42 saves (ranking among the league’s top four goalkeepers)
Last featured in Udinese’s 2-0 defeat to Genoa, playing the full 90 minutes and making three saves
As Okoye looks to reclaim his spot between the posts, all eyes will be on how he balances his on-field comeback with his off-field challenges in the coming weeks.
