Maduka Okoye made his return to action for Udinese having been sidelined with injury.
Super Eagles of Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has expressed his joy at returning to competitive football following a prolonged spell on the sidelines due to injury.
The 25-year-old Udinese goalkeeper, widely considered the most handsome player in the national team set up, had been absent from action since December 1 after undergoing surgery for a wrist injury.
His return came in Udinese’s hard-fought 1-1 draw against Lazio on Monday night.
)
Maduka Okoye started for Udinese against Lazio | Credit: Instagram/Udinese
Speaking to the club’s official website, Okoye acknowledged the difficulties of being sidelined but praised his teammates for their support throughout his rehabilitation period.
“I’m very happy, both for me and for the team. We’re all happy and we want to continue like this,” he stated.
“It was difficult to be out, but now I find a team that has grown in these months. Padelli, like the whole team, helped me a lot, I’m grateful for that. He’s a great goalkeeper and a great person.”
)
Maduka Okoye
Okoye has made 15 league appearances for Udinese this season under head coach Kosta Runjaic and will be eager to reclaim his place as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Match-fixing allegations loom over Okoye
)
Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye in Serie A | Imago
Despite the joy of his return to football, Okoye remains embroiled in controversy following allegations of match-fixing.
Pulse Sports earlier reported the Super Eagles shot-stopper is under investigation for allegedly receiving a yellow card deliberately during Udinese’s 2-1 victory over Lazio last year.
The accusations stem from suspicious betting patterns linked to the incident, triggering an inquiry by Italian football authorities.
If found guilty, Okoye could face a severe suspension from all football-related activities, as Italian football regulations impose strict penalties on athletes involved in match manipulation.
With the investigation ongoing, the Nigerian goalkeeper will be keen to focus on his performances on the pitch ahead of the Super Eagles’ crucial World Cup qualifying games.
