Udinese Confirm Okoye’s AFCON Departure After Napoli Clash

Udinese Confirm Okoye’s AFCON Departure After Napoli Clash

By Admin 

Udinese manager Kosta Runjaic has confirmed that Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye will leave the club on Saturday, 14 December, to link up with the Super Eagles ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The update follows FIFA’s recent adjustment to its player release window, now permitting clubs to release players to their national teams from 15 December, one week before the tournament kicks off. The original release date had been set for 8 December.

Okoye is expected to feature in head coach Eric Chelle’s squad for the continental championship and will depart immediately after Udinese’s Serie A match against Napoli on 14 December.

“We’ve been preparing for this. After the Napoli game, we’ll likely be without Rui Modesto, Okoye, Bayo, and Zemura,” Runjaic told the club’s official website.

The Udinese boss also provided updates on squad availability, noting that Kamara will be absent for the clash against Genoa but could return in time for the Napoli fixture.

“We’re still deciding who will cover the wings, but that becomes a real issue after the Napoli match. For Genoa, everyone except Atta and Kamara is available,” he added.