Maduka Okoye is set to miss the beginning of Udinese’s 2026/27 Serie A campaign after the Super Eagles goalkeeper suffered a shoulder problem, Footynaija.com reports.
The injury comes at an awkward time for Okoye. He finished last season as Udinese’s first-choice goalkeeper and played 30 Serie A matches, keeping 10 clean sheets as Kosta Runjaic’s side secured a top-half finish.
Okoye has already had his share of injury problems during his time in Italy. He missed a large part of his first season at Udinese after undergoing surgery on a wrist ligament injury, while he also dealt with a thigh problem during Nigeria’s March friendlies earlier this year.
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This latest problem is different, however. The Nigerian is now dealing with a shoulder issue, and the timing means he could miss Udinese’s opening Serie A fixtures against Como and Monza.
According to Calciomercato, Udinese are already working to cover the position while Okoye recovers. The club do not want to enter the new season without another experienced option between the posts, especially with the Nigerian expected to spend some time on the sidelines.
Runjaic has also made it clear that the club remain confident in Okoye.
“Maduka is injured. We’ve seen the quality he has shown on the pitch, and we’re optimistic he can become one of the best goalkeepers in Serie A this season. He’s had a shoulder problem, and I hope he can return as soon as possible,” the Udinese coach said.
The injury is also something Nigeria will watch closely. The Super Eagles have important 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches ahead, and Okoye remains one of the goalkeepers competing for a regular place in Eric Chelle’s side.
For Udinese, the immediate concern is finding cover.
The club already have other goalkeeping options, including Răzvan Sava and veteran Daniele Padelli. Sava has previously featured for Udinese in Serie A, but the club appear keen to add another option rather than place all the responsibility on their current alternatives.
Okoye will now focus on his recovery. Udinese, meanwhile, must prepare for the new Serie A season without one of their most important players available from the start.
