Barely two months to has kick-off Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, the Super Eagles’ camp been boosted by news that Udinese goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, has returned from injury.
The 25 years old goalkeeper has been sidelined for over a month after undergoing surgery to repair a torn scapholunate ligament in his right wrist.
Italian publication, TuttoUdinese, reported Thursday that the goalkeeper has now resumed training with his club, just when Coach Eric Chelle is preparing his list of players for the must-win qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.
Okoye is expected to make the list of players for the matches pending FIFA’s decision on the alleged suspicious betting patterns related to a yellow card he received during Udinese’ 2-1 defeat of Lazio last year.
According to reports, if found guilty, Okoye could face a lengthy ban from all football-related activities, as Italian regulations impose severe penalties for athletes directly involved in manipulating match events.
In that case, the former Fortuna Dusseldorf star will be ineligible to play for the Eagles in the two games.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles management has started final preparations, including consultations with players, following FIFA’s official announcement of the dates for the matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
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FIFA also said that, Rwanda will host Nigeria on March 21 at the Amahoro Stadium, Kigali, while the Super Eagles will entertain Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on March 25.
A Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) source said that Coach Chelle and the federation’s technical committee are working toward presenting a formidable squad for the matches, which Nigeria must win to retain any hope of qualifying for the World Cup to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The official, who pleaded anonymity, said that Chelle is currently meeting with Europe-based players to ascertain their state of fitness and also ensure they understand the importance in taking the games serious.
Nigeria is currently placed fifth in Group C of the World Cup qualifying series with three points, while leaders, Rwanda, South Africa and Benin Republic are on seven points each.
