Super Eagles and Udinese goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, has reportedly been implicated in an illegal betting scandal, with investigators alleging he deliberately influenced a match outcome for financial gain.
According to Italian news agency Ansa, Okoye is among four individuals named in a preliminary investigation by Italian authorities. The probe alleges that the 24-year-old goalkeeper intentionally received a yellow card for time-wasting during the 63rd minute of a Serie A match between Lazio and Udinese in March 2024.
Authorities claim the booking was part of a coordinated betting scheme centered in the Udine region, which allegedly generated illicit winnings totaling €120,000.
Notably, Okoye had just returned to action in March, reportedly after being away while the investigation was quietly underway.
The Italian Prosecution Office has stated that a final report is expected soon. Once released, formal charges are anticipated to be filed against the Nigerian international.
This troubling development clouds Okoye’s recent resurgence in form, both for club and country, particularly after his impressive display in a recent international friendly against Russia.
