Maduka Okoye, the Nigerian goalkeeper playing for Udinese, is set to undergo surgery on his right wrist after suffering an injury during a recent match, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.
The club confirmed that Okoye tore the scapholunate ligament in his wrist, and although they haven't indicated exactly how long he will be out, the recovery time for such an injury typically ranges from eight to twelve weeks, depending on its severity.
The nature of the injury could potentially keep Okoye out for a significant period, with recovery time varying between 8 to 12 weeks depending on the severity of the tear. If complications arise, it could take up to eight months for a full recovery. Okoye's last appearance for Udinese was in a 2-0 home defeat against Genoa, where he played the full match and made three saves.
This season, Okoye has been a key player for Udinese, making 42 saves in 14 games, placing him among the top goalkeepers in Serie A. His recent career trajectory has been one of resilience. After a challenging stint at Watford where he struggled for playing time, Okoye moved to Italy in search of a fresh start. His international career also saw a setback after Nigeria's early exit from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, with the goalkeeper facing significant online criticism.
Despite this, he returned to the national team fold recently in a 2-1 defeat to Rwanda in Uyo, as part of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. However, his current injury casts doubt on his availability for Nigeria's upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March 2025.
As Okoye undergoes surgery and begins his recovery, both his club and national team will be hoping for a swift and successful return.
Oluwayemi Omolagba