Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye is set to undergo surgery due to a serious injury on his right wrist.
His club, Udinese Calcio, officially announced on Saturday that this unfortunate development will force Maduka Okoye to miss the upcoming match against Monza, a critical fixture for the team’s ongoing campaign.
The injury involves a torn scapholunate ligament, a crucial structure in the wrist that was damaged as a result of trauma sustained during a match.
Medical experts recommend immediate surgical intervention to repair the ligament and restore functionality to Okoye’s wrist.
While Udinese have not commented on the expected recovery timeline, concerns have emerged that Okoye could be out of action for several months.
Standard recovery for such an injury usually ranges from eight to twelve weeks; however, in more severe cases, it could extend up to eight months, which poses significant challenges for both the player and the club.
Okoye’s last appearance for Udinese came in a disappointing 2-0 home loss to Genoa, where he played the full match and demonstrated remarkable skill by making three important saves to keep his team competitive.
This season, he has been a key player for Udinese, appearing in 14 matches and accumulating a total of 42 saves. His impressive performances have positioned him among the top four goalkeepers in Serie A, earning him respect and recognition within the league.
The journey of Maduka Okoye has been marked by resilience and determination. He previously faced numerous challenges while at Watford, where playing opportunities were sparse, leading him to seek a fresh start in Italy. This move was motivated by his desire to revitalize his career and prove his worth as a reliable goalkeeper.
In addition to his club commitments, Okoye has also represented Nigeria on the international stage. His recent experiences have not been without challenges; after Nigeria’s early exit from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, he found himself at the center of criticism. This led him to take a temporary break from social media to distance himself from the negative feedback and focus on his mental well-being.
Recently, he made a comeback to the national team during a 2-1 defeat against Rwanda, which was the last match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. However, with his current wrist injury, there are growing uncertainties surrounding his availability for the upcoming national team fixtures in March, particularly as the 2026 World Cup qualifiers loom on the horizon.
