AFCON 2027: Super Eagles Goalkeeper Suffers Shoulder Injury

AFCON 2027: Super Eagles Goalkeeper Suffers Shoulder Injury

Ibrahim Lateef

Super Eagles shot-stopper Maduka Okoye will miss the start of the 2026/27 Serie A season for Udinese after the Nigerian sustained a shoulder injury, reports BSNSports.com.ng.

Udinese coach Kosta Runjaic confirmed this during his latest press conference. This raises questions over his availability for Nigeria's upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifying fixtures.

According to Calciomercato, The Friulians are working hard to find a replacement and are very close to signing a goalkeeper who can fill the void left by the Nigerian, at least while he's sidelined. 

"Maduka is injured. We've seen the quality he's shown on the pitch, and we're optimistic he can become one of the best goalkeepers in Serie A this season. He's had a shoulder problem, and I hope he can return as soon as possible."

Okoye has suffered a shoulder problem caused by overwork and risks facing a significant period in the pits: he could in fact miss the first two championship games against Como and Monza, scheduled for just under a month.

Federico Ravaglia's arrival at Watford from Bologna will free up 29-year-old Norwegian Egil Selvik, Nyland's reserve at the last World Cup. Selvik was signed by Udinese in 2025, then sold to the Hornets.