AFCON 2025
Former AC Milan goalkeeping coach Luigi Turci has expressed full confidence that Maduka Okoye will return stronger after serving his two-month suspension for betting-related offences.
Turci, who worked closely with the Nigerian international during his time at Udinese, believes the 25-year-old has the mental strength and technical ability to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup.
“Maduka is a fantastic goalkeeper — strong, focused, and very professional,” Turci said. “He made a mistake, but he has learned from it. We will see a new man when he returns; he will be even more motivated to prove himself.”
“I believe we will see a new man. He will want to regain credibility with everyone around him,” Turci said, as quoted by Tuttomercatoweb.
“I’m also curious to see him in action again. He may lack match rhythm initially, but he will compensate with enthusiasm and attention.”
Okoye’s absence saw Udinese struggle for consistency between the posts, and his comeback could be timely as they aim to climb the Serie A standings.
His return is also a boost for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, with 2026 World Cup qualifiers resuming next month.
