Udinese will be keeping a close eye on Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye’s physical and psychological recovery following a distressing international break with Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.
Okoye returned to Udine on Wednesday evening, ready to rejoin his club ahead of a crucial Serie A clash against AC Milan on October 19.
The Nigerian international was part of a delegation forced to endure a tense and chaotic situation in Libya earlier in the week.
The Super Eagles had to make an unexpected landing at a Libyan airport en route to their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
While there, they were detained in what was described as “hostile conditions” for over 15 hours, an ordeal that left the team mentally and physically drained. The match was eventually cancelled, and the team returned to Nigeria on Monday after the situation de-escalated.
Despite being Nigeria’s second-choice goalkeeper, Okoye is Udinese’s first pick between the posts and has already kept two clean sheets in the team’s first seven league games.
According to Tutto Udinese, Okoye’s fitness and mental well-being will be under scrutiny as Udinese prepare for one of their toughest tests of the season.
Udinese coach Kosta Runjaic, who now has all his international players back in training, including Okoye, will need to make crucial decisions ahead of the trip to San Siro. With Udinese sitting 5th in Serie A, just one spot above Milan, the match will be vital in shaping their early-season momentum.
Okoye will aim to prove he is fully recovered and ready to maintain his spot as the club’s number-one goalkeeper.