Nigerian international goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has successfully undergone surgery to treat a wrist injury sustained during a Serie A clash between Udinese Calcio and Genoa CFC last Sunday.
The operation, aimed at repairing damage to the scapholunate ligament in his right wrist, was completed with success, according to a statement released by his club.
Maduka Okoye underwent surgery to repair the injury to the scapholunate ligament of his right wrist,” Udinese confirmed.
The operation, performed by Dr. Loris Pegoli at the La Madonnina clinic in Milan, was a complete success.
The footballer will begin rehabilitation in the coming weeks.
The towering shot-stopper, who joined Udinese earlier in his career, sustained the injury during a high-stakes Serie A encounter, forcing an early evaluation of his condition.
Medical experts recommended surgical intervention to ensure proper recovery, a decision that Okoye and the club promptly acted upon.
Okoye’s absence comes at a critical time for both his club and country.
The 25-year-old recently featured for Nigeria in their final fixture of 2024, a 2-1 defeat to Rwanda during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on 18 November.
His efforts between the posts were commendable despite the loss, further solidifying his reputation as a dependable last line of defense for the Super Eagles.
Attention now turns to his rehabilitation timeline.
While the operation was deemed a success, it remains uncertain whether Okoye will recover in time to participate in Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Super Eagles are set to face Zimbabwe and Rwanda in March 2025, fixtures that could play a pivotal role in their quest for a place on football’s biggest stage.
The goalkeeper’s recovery will be closely monitored by both Udinese and the Nigerian Football Federation, with hopes high that he can return to action swiftly.
In the meantime, Udinese will likely explore alternatives to fill the void left by Okoye’s absence, while Nigeria must prepare contingency plans for their upcoming international fixtures.
Okoye’s commitment to club and country has made him a key figure in recent years, and his resilience will undoubtedly play a role in his road to recovery.
Fans and teammates alike will be eager to see him back on the field, contributing to his team’s success in domestic and international competitions.
