Maduka Okoye, Dele-bashiru Affected By Death Of Pope Francis At 88

Super Eagles stars Maduka Okoye and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru have been directly affected by the sudden postponement of Serie A fixtures following the passing of Pope Francis,

The Holy Father died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, which has sparked significant adjustments in Italian public life, including football.

In response to the Popes death, the Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A announced that all Monday matches in both the Serie A and Primavera 1 divisions would be postponed.

Okoye was set to feature for Udinese in their away clash against Torino at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino. Similarly, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and his Lazio teammates had been preparing for a crucial trip to Genoa as they continue their push for European qualification.