Udinese boss Kosta Runjaic has announced that Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye will be released for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday, December 14.
The confirmation comes after FIFA adjusted the release window, allowing clubs to release players to their national teams from December 15—a week before the tournament begins. The previous release date had been set for December 8.
Okoye is expected to be included in Nigeria’s squad for the AFCON finals by Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle and will head for international duty immediately after Udinese’s Serie A fixture against Napoli on December 14.
“We’ve been preparing for this. After the Napoli game, we’ll likely be without Rui Modesto, Okoye, Bayo, and Zemura,” Runjaic told Udinese’s official website.
He also noted that Kamara will miss the clash with Genoa and may only return 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 said.
