Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is back in training with Italian club Udinese after recovering from wrist surgery.
Okoye, 25, had been sidelined since December after undergoing surgery on a torn ligament in his right wrist. However, Italian news outlet Tutto Udinese confirmed that the goalkeeper resumed full training and is available for selection ahead of Udinese’s clash with Napoli.
"A day of returns at the Bruseschi sports centre saw several players back in training after injury layoffs, including Maduka Okoye," the website reported.
His return comes as a major boost for new Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, who is preparing for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March. The Super Eagles are struggling in their campaign, sitting in fifth place with just three points after four matches.
Despite his return to the pitch, Okoye remains under investigation by the Udine Public Prosecutor’s Office over suspicious betting activity. Authorities are looking into a yellow card he received during a Serie A match against Lazio in March 2024.
This season, Okoye has played 14 matches for Udinese, making 42 saves and ranking among the top goalkeepers in the Italian Serie A. He last featured in Udinese’s 2-0 defeat to Genoa, playing the full match and making three saves.
