Udinese head coach Kosta Runjaic has confirmed that goalkeeper Maduka Okoye will be released to Nigeria for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Saturday, December 14.
The confirmation follows FIFA’s recent directive allowing clubs to release registered players by December 15, one week before the start of the tournament. Okoye is widely expected to be included in Nigeria’s final AFCON 2025 squad by head coach Eric Chelle.
The Super Eagles shot-stopper will join the Nigeria camp after Udinese’s Serie A fixture against Napoli scheduled for December 14.
Speaking on the situation, Runjaic admitted the club has long prepared for the absence of several key players during the AFCON period.
“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 told the club’s official website.
He also provided an update on the team’s injury situation ahead of their next matches.
“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,” he said.
Nigeria will begin its AFCON 2025 campaign in Morocco later this month.
