Okoye to Join Super Eagles After Udinese–Napoli Clash

Udinese head coach Kosta Runjaić has revealed that Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye will be released to the Nigeria Football Federation after the club’s Serie A match against champions Napoli on Sunday, December 14. Okoye, who has impressed since returning from a betting suspension, is part of Nigeria’s 54-man provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Runjaić told reporters that “after Napoli, we'll probably no longer have Rui Modesto, Okoye, Bayo, and Zemura…,” noting that the club had prepared for their departures. He added that his squad remains mostly available for their next outing, except for a few injured players.

The timing follows FIFA rules requiring clubs to release AFCON-bound players from December 15. Okoye has delivered strong performances this season, keeping two clean sheets and saving a penalty in seven league games. His absence will be a major blow to Udinese as they push for European qualification.