Super Eagles and Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been suspended for two months by Italian football authorities after being found guilty of illegal betting, narrowly avoiding a far more severe sanction for sporting fraud.
As reported by multiple Italian outlets on Tuesday, the 24-year-old Nigerian international was investigated following suspicious betting activity linked to Udinese’s Serie A clash with Lazio on March 11, 2024. In that match, Okoye received a yellow card in the 64th minute for time-wasting with his side leading 2-1.
Authorities flagged the booking after a surge in unusual betting patterns—specifically wagers predicting Okoye would receive a yellow card. The bulk of these bets were placed at odds of 8/1, predominantly in the Udine region, and reportedly resulted in over €120,000 in winnings.
The goalkeeper, along with three associates, was subsequently placed under investigation, and the matter was brought before Italy’s disciplinary commission in June 2025.
Sporting Fraud Charges Avoided
Initially, Okoye faced the prospect of being charged with sporting fraud, a much graver offence that carries a potential four-year ban under Italian sporting regulations. However, the commission found insufficient evidence to support that charge and instead ruled him guilty of the lesser offence of participating in illegal betting activities.
His two-month suspension is scheduled to begin on August 18, 2025, coinciding with Udinese’s Coppa Italia fixture against Carrarese. He will subsequently miss the club’s opening six Serie A matches, and will be eligible to return to action on October 19.
Career in Brief
Maduka Okoye has made 18 appearances for the Nigerian national team and was part of the squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. He joined Udinese from English Championship side Watford in 2023, having previously played in Germany and the Netherlands.
The incident marks a significant setback in the young goalkeeper’s career, though the lighter punishment ensures he can return to top-level football later this year.