Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has expressed his joy at returning to competitive action following a lengthy injury setback. The Nigeria international underwent wrist surgery last December, which kept him side-lined for over three months.
Okoye made his first appearance in 2025 during Udinese’s 1-1 draw against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday night, marking his return since his last outing against Genoa on December 1.
The 25-year-old praised his teammates for their support and lauded their strong performance against Lazio.
“I’m very happy, both for me and for the team. We’re all happy and we want to continue like this,” Okoye told Udinese’s official website.
“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, and I’m grateful for that. He’s a great goalkeeper and a great person.”
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Okoye return from injury is major boost for the super eagles.
His return was also met with excitement from Udinese forward Florian Thauvin, who scored the team’s only goal in the match. The Frenchman praised Okoye’s performance and emphasized the team’s collective effort.
“I’m back to my best levels, I’m happy. I worked every day to get back to this level, but without a team, great performances don’t come,” Thauvin told the club’s official website.
“We’re having a great season, I’m happy for Maduka – who came back and had a great performance – and I’m happy for the team. It’s an important point and we have to continue like this.”
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So far this season, Okoye has made 15 league appearances for Kosta Runjaic’s side and will be aiming to play a key role in Udinese’s push for a strong finish in Serie A.
