Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has handed Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle a major boost ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after returning to full training with Udinese, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.
Okoye rejoined his teammates in regular training on Friday after recovering from the shoulder injury he suffered during pre-season in Austria, with the problem now seemingly behind him.
However, Udinese are taking a cautious approach with the Nigerian, with the club's medical team keen to give him a few more days before declaring him fully fit for competitive action.
The 26-year-old is therefore not expected to feature in Saturday's triangular pre-season tournament involving Udinese, Barcelona and Nottingham Forest.
According to TuttoUdinese, the medical staff do not want to risk Okoye's recovery in a non-competitive fixture, particularly after overseeing his rehabilitation from the shoulder problem.
Udinese's Coppa Italia meeting with Padova on August 15 has instead been identified as the goalkeeper's potential competitive return date.
His return to action will come as welcome news to Chelle, who will be hoping Okoye is fully fit and available when Nigeria begin their preparations for the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.