Nigeria international Maduka Okoye has expressed his joy at returning to action for Udinese after more than three months on the sidelines due to injury, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles goalkeeper made his first appearance of 2025 in Udinese’s 1-1 draw with Lazio on Monday, a crucial step in his recovery.
The 25-year-old had been out since early December after undergoing surgery for a torn ligament in his right hand. Before his injury, Okoye had made 14 league appearances for Udinese, establishing himself as a key figure in the squad.
His return is a timely boost for Nigeria’s national team, with head coach Eric Chelle including him in the 39-man provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. With Chelle set to trim the squad to 23 players, Okoye’s fitness could play a significant role in his final selection.
Against Lazio, Okoye started in goal as Udinese battled to a hard-fought draw. He could not prevent Alessio Romagnoli from cancelling out Florian Thauvin’s opener in the 32nd minute, but his performance will have pleased Udinese and Super Eagles fans alike.
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Reflecting on his comeback, Okoye said (as per Tutto Udinese): “I’m very happy with my return, we’re happy with the performance, let’s move forward.
“It was difficult to be out, but I saw a team that has grown in these months, I’m happy with how it’s going. Padelli and the whole team helped me, I’m grateful: he’s a great person, a great goalkeeper and he helps me a lot.”
With Okoye now fully fit, all eyes will be on whether he makes the final squad for Nigeria’s crucial qualifiers.
