Maduka Okoye to Miss Start of Serie A Season With Shoulder Injury
Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is set to miss the start of the 2026/27 Serie A season after suffering a shoulder injury at Udinese.
Udinese head coach Kosta Runjaic confirmed the injury during his latest press conference, raising concerns over Okoye’s availability for Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
“Maduka is injured. We’ve seen the quality he’s shown on the pitch, and we’re optimistic he can become one of the best goalkeepers in Serie A this season,” Runjaic said.
“He’s had a shoulder problem, and I hope he can return as soon as possible.”
According to reports from Italy, Okoye’s injury was caused by overwork and could keep him out for a significant period.
The Nigerian goalkeeper could miss Udinese’s first two Serie A matches of the season against Como and Monza, which are scheduled for just under a month.
Udinese are already working on bringing in another goalkeeper to cover for Okoye while he recovers.
One option is Norwegian goalkeeper Egil Selvik, who could become available following Federico Ravaglia’s move to Watford from Bologna.
Selvik, 29, joined Udinese in 2025 before moving to Watford. He was also Norway’s reserve goalkeeper at the last World Cup.
Okoye’s injury will be closely monitored by the Super Eagles, with Nigeria also preparing for their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
