Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been handed a two-month suspension by Italian football authorities after being found guilty of illegal betting activities, a charge that nearly resulted in a four-year ban from football.
The Nigerian international, who plies his trade with Serie A side Udinese, was implicated in a betting scandal stemming from Udinese’s March 11, 2024, league encounter with Lazio. Okoye received a yellow card in the 64th minute of that match for time-wasting, with his team leading 2-1 at the time.
While the incident initially appeared routine, it drew the attention of Italy’s anti-match-fixing authorities after an unusual spike in betting activity was flagged. Investigators uncovered a series of bets primarily from the Udine area predicting Okoye would be cautioned. The bets were reportedly placed at odds of 8/1 and resulted in winnings estimated at over €120,000.
Okoye was later investigated along with three individuals believed to be connected to the betting pattern. The case was brought before Italy’s disciplinary commission in June 2025. While sporting fraud was initially considered a charge that carries a maximum four-year ban, the commission settled on a lesser charge of illegal betting, sparing the 25-year-old a longer layoff.
The ban will commence on August 18, 2025, meaning Okoye will miss six Serie A fixtures and Udinese’s Coppa Italia first-round clash against Carrarese. He will be eligible to return to competitive action on October 19.
Okoye, who joined Udinese from Watford in 2023, has made a steady impression in Serie A and holds 18 caps for Nigeria. This setback now places his immediate future both at the club and international level under scrutiny, especially with Nigeria preparing for key AFCON qualifiers and World Cup buildup matches in the coming months.
Key Points:
- The incident occurred during Udinese vs Lazio (March 11, 2024)
- Suspicious betting activity triggered an investigation.
- Over €120,000 won from bets predicting Okoye’s yellow card
- Initially faced 4-year sporting fraud ban, downgraded to illegal betting
- Out until October 19, 2025
