Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is on the verge of returning to training after recovering from a thigh contusion sustained during Nigeria's 2-2 draw with Jordan. The 26-year-old, who made his first appearance for the Super Eagles since June 2025 before the injury, underwent medical tests in Italy that revealed the damage is less severe than initially feared. According to Tutto Mercatoweb, Okoye will face routine assessments with Udinese's medical team before rejoining full squad activities. There is growing confidence he will be ready for Udinese's crucial Serie A clash against Como on April 6.
Francis Uzoho started in goal for Nigeria in that Jordan match but also left with a thigh issue, later replaced by Adebayo Adeleye. Okoye has featured in 22 league games for Udinese this season, keeping six clean sheets and conceding 26 goals. The Bianconeri sit 11th in the table with 39 points from 30 matches. Their upcoming opponents, Como, are enjoying a surprising campaign in just their second season in Italy's top flight, currently fourth under manager Cesc Fabregas and in contention for a UEFA Champions League spot.
Maduka Okoye's swift recovery shifts the goalkeeping narrative at Udinese just as pressure mounts in a tight mid-table battle. When he says the injury "isn't as bad as feared," it means he could reclaim his spot before season's end — a boost for a defence that's conceded more than one goal per game. With Como pushing for Europe, Okoye's return isn't just timely, it's tactically critical.
