Heartbreak for Okoye as Super Eagles goalkeeper ruled out for 3 months after playing with broken hand

Super Eagles and Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has undergone surgery to fix a torn ligament in his right wrist - after heroically playing through the injury for two months.

The 25-year-old shot-stopper sustained the problem during a recent Serie A clash against Genoa but still managed to produce a string of impressive saves in Udinese's 2-0 defeat.

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Despite the heartbreaking experience, Okoye has been a rock between the sticks for his mid-table Italian side this season, making 42 saves in 14 appearances and establishing himself as one of the Serie A's top goalkeepers.

After the operation, a grateful Okoye took to social media to thank the medical team, saying: 

“Surgery is done. Big thanks to Dr. Pigoli and his team,” the goalkeeper posted on his X.com account. 

“[I] Played the last 2 months with a broken ligament in my hand; for now, I'll be supporting the team from the stands, recover and work hard for a comeback in top form,” he added.

Udinese have now confirmed that their star man will be sidelined for 8-12 weeks as he recovers from the scapholunate ligament damage - putting his availability for Nigeria's World Cup qualifiers later next year in serious doubt.

But the brave keeper's remarkable determination in playing through the pain barrier has won him plaudits, with fans and teammates rallying behind him to make a swift return to action.

Okoye, who previously struggled at Championship side Watford, has been a revelation since moving to Italy and his heroics have been key to Udinese's mid-table position.

As he begins his rehabilitation, the Super Eagles faithful will be willing to hope to see Nigeria’s best goalkeeper in Europe bounce back stronger than ever.