Maduka Okoye to Miss Start of Serie A Season With Shoulder Injury
Udinese head coach Kosta Runjaic says the goalkeeper is dealing with a shoulder problem caused by overwork, with the club already exploring cover options for the opening weeks.
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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, raising concerns over his availability for Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
Udinese head coach Kosta Runjaic confirmed the injury during his latest press conference, expressing optimism that Okoye can become one of Serie A’s best goalkeepers this season once he returns from what he described as a shoulder problem, adding that he hopes for as swift a recovery as possible.
According to reports from Italy, the injury was caused by overwork and could keep Okoye out for a significant period. He is at risk of missing Udinese’s first two Serie A matches of the season, against Como and Monza, scheduled for just under a month from now.
Udinese are already working on bringing in cover for Okoye while he recovers, with Norwegian goalkeeper Egil Selvik identified as a possible option. Selvik, 29, joined Udinese in 2025 before moving to Watford, and served as Norway’s reserve goalkeeper at the last World Cup. He could become available following Federico Ravaglia’s move to Watford from Bologna.
Okoye’s recovery will be closely monitored by the Super Eagles as Nigeria continues preparations for its 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
Did You Know?
- Maduka Okoye’s shoulder injury is reportedly linked to overwork.
- He is at risk of missing Udinese’s first two Serie A matches, against Como and Monza.
- Kosta Runjaic is Udinese’s head coach.
- Norwegian goalkeeper Egil Selvik has been identified as a possible option to cover for Okoye.
- Selvik previously played for Udinese before moving to Watford, and was Norway’s reserve goalkeeper at the last World Cup.
- Federico Ravaglia’s move from Bologna to Watford could open the door for Selvik’s return to Udinese.
- Nigeria is preparing for its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
