AFCON 2025: Udinese Confirms Okoye Release Date

AFCON 2025: Udinese Confirms Okoye Release Date

Sampson Adedeji

Italian Serie A side Udinese have confirmed the date they will release Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Okoye, who has re-established himself as a regular starter since returning from suspension, has been included in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the tournament in Morocco, as announced by head coach Eric Chelle.

The shot-stopper will depart for international duty immediately after Udinese’s Serie A fixture against Napoli on December 14, in line with FIFA’s guidelines on player release.

Udinese head coach Kosta Runjaic, speaking via the club’s official website, acknowledged the imminent departures of several key players.

“We’re considering this issue. After Napoli, we’ll probably no longer have Rui Modesto, Okoye, Bayo, and Zemura, but we’ve known about it for some time,” Runjaic said.

 “Kamara won’t be available against Genoa, perhaps he’ll return against Napoli. We’re evaluating who to play on the wings, but it’s something that will become a reality after the Napoli match. For the Genoa match, everyone except Atta and Kamara is available.”

Okoye is expected to join the Super Eagles camp shortly after the Napoli clash as Nigeria intensify preparations for AFCON 2025.