Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is set to make his return to competitive football after completing a two-month suspension imposed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
The 26-year-old was sidelined following an investigation into suspicious betting activity during Udinese’s 2–1 victory over Lazio in March 2024, a match in which Okoye was booked for time-wasting in the 64th minute. The yellow card triggered an unusually high betting volume of over €120,000, largely placed on Okoye receiving a booking at 8/1 odds, prompting the FIGC inquiry.
Cleared of Match-Fixing, but Suspended for Fair Play Breach
Following months of investigation, the FIGC’s National Federal Tribunal in July 2025 cleared Okoye of all match-fixing and sporting fraud charges. However, he was handed a two-month suspension for breaching Article 4 of the Federal Sports Justice Code, relating to the “general principle of fair play.”
The ban, effective from August 18 to October 19, 2025, forced Okoye to miss Udinese’s Coppa Italia opener against Carrarese and six Serie A matches, as well as Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September and October.
Udinese’s Support and Okoye’s Comeback
Throughout the ordeal, Udinese stood firmly behind their goalkeeper, releasing a statement expressing “full confidence” in Okoye and emphasizing the tribunal’s dismissal of the more serious allegations.
Head coach Kosta Runjaić is expected to reinstate Okoye immediately, as the club looks to stabilize its defense after a difficult run of results in his absence.
Okoye has not commented publicly since the ruling, but sources close to him suggest he is focused on moving past the controversy and returning stronger.
With no further appeals or investigations pending, Okoye is now clear to return to action as Udinese prepares to face Cremonese at the Stadio Giovanni Zini on Monday, a match that could mark the beginning of his redemption story.
