The goalkeeper picked up the injury during a training session, with team officials later confirming the setback. He has since returned to Italy, where he is expected to undergo further assessment and begin recovery with his club, Udinese.
His absence adds to the growing list of unavailable players ahead of Nigeria’s clash against Jordan, leaving the technical crew to reshuffle options within the squad. With Okoye no longer in contention, attention turns to Adebayo Adeleye and Francis Uzoho, who are now expected to compete for the starting role in goal.
Before the injury, Okoye had been working his way back into the national setup and featured in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Iran, marking his return after missing previous call-ups, including the squad that secured a third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier in the year due to the availability of the ever-present Stanley Nwabili.
However, the former Chippa United was left out of the squad after he left the club and had been without a club since then.
While there had been plans to possibly rest him for the upcoming fixture as part of squad rotation, the injury has now made his exit unavoidable, cutting short his involvement in the tournament.
The situation is further compounded by earlier departures within the team, with Semi Ajayi leaving camp and Bruno Onyemaechi excused following the birth of his child, leaving the squad noticeably depleted.
Nigeria will now head into their final game with a trimmed squad, as the coaching staff look to navigate the disruptions and finish the tournament on a positive note.
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