Victoria Mbangwa
Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is set to undergo surgery on his right wrist after sustaining a significant injury, the Serie A club confirmed on Saturday. The 25-year-old, who has been one of Udinese’s standout performers this season, will miss the club’s upcoming fixture against Monza on Monday.
Okoye’s injury was diagnosed as a torn scapholunate ligament in his right wrist, a condition that typically requires surgical intervention. While the club did not specify a recovery timeline, the injury is expected to sideline Okoye for an extended period. Depending on the severity, recovery from such a ligament tear can take anywhere from eight weeks to several months.
The news comes as a blow to both Okoye and Udinese, as the goalkeeper has been in excellent form this season. He has featured in 14 matches, registering 42 saves, and has been a key figure in the team’s defense. His performances have seen him rank among the top four goalkeepers in Serie A, solidifying his status as one of the league’s most reliable shot-stoppers.
“Maduka Okoye has torn the scapholunate ligament in his right wrist following a trauma. He will have surgery to repair the ligament in the next few days.” The club said.
Okoye’s rise at Udinese has been a remarkable one. After a difficult stint at Watford, where he struggled to secure regular playing time, Okoye made the move to Italy in search of a fresh start. The transfer to Udinese has allowed him to rediscover his confidence and showcase his talent on a bigger stage. This season, he has established himself as a central figure in Udinese’s defense, earning praise from fans and pundits alike.
On the international front, Okoye’s story has been similarly turbulent. His performance for Nigeria during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was criticized following the team’s early exit. Facing online abuse, Okoye deactivated his social media accounts, but he has since bounced back, earning regular call-ups to the national team. His most recent appearance came in Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to Rwanda in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers set to resume in March, Okoye’s injury raises doubts about his availability for the Super Eagles. His absence would be a significant loss for the national team, especially given his recent form and the potential importance of the qualifiers.
While Okoye faces a tough road to recovery, his determination and resilience—qualities that have defined his career so far—will likely see him return to full fitness and back on the pitch. His recovery will be closely monitored, as both Udinese and Nigeria look to the future with hopes of seeing the talented goalkeeper back in action soon.
