Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is facing a major setback with a serious wrist injury that will require surgery in the coming days. The club confirmed on Saturday that this unfortunate development will keep Okoye out of Udinese’s crucial match against Monza, a key game for their season.
Medical professionals have advised immediate surgery to repair the ligament in Okoye’s right wrist, which is essential for restoring his full functionality. While the club has not yet provided an official recovery timeline, there are concerns that Okoye could be sidelined for an extended period, potentially several months.
The typical recovery time for this type of injury is between eight and twelve weeks, but in more severe cases, it could take up to eight months. This would be a significant challenge for both Okoye and the club as they look to maintain their performance.
Okoye’s last appearance came in a 2-0 home defeat to Genoa, where he played the entire match and made three crucial saves, keeping Udinese in the game. This season, he has been a key figure for the team, with 14 appearances and 42 saves, placing him among the top four goalkeepers in Serie A and earning him widespread respect in the league.
Okoye’s journey has been one of perseverance. After facing limited opportunities at Watford, he made the move to Udinese to reignite his career and prove himself as a reliable goalkeeper. His performances in Italy have been impressive, showing his growth and commitment to success.
On the international stage, Okoye has also represented Nigeria. His career has had its ups and downs, including criticism following Nigeria’s early exit from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. This led him to take a break from social media to focus on his mental health. Recently, he made his return to the national team during the 2-1 loss to Rwanda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
However, with his current injury, there is uncertainty about his availability for Nigeria’s upcoming fixtures in March, especially with the 2026 World Cup qualifiers approaching. Okoye’s recovery will be crucial not only for his club but also for his international career.
