The Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, is currently under investigation in Italy due to his alleged involvement in a betting scandal.
Reports indicate that the Udine Prosecutor’s Office has initiated an inquiry into Okoye for purportedly wagering on his own yellow card during a match against Lazio on March 11, 2024.
The incident occurred in the 64th minute of the match when Okoye was issued a yellow card for time-wasting during a goal kick.
His actions are now under scrutiny as investigators suspect they may have been part of a premeditated scheme.
Prosecutors allege that he intentionally sought to receive a booking to gain profit from a bet placed on that specific outcome.
Additionally, Diego Giordano, a 40-year-old proprietor of the well-known Biffi pizzeria, has also been implicated in the investigation.
The establishment is recognized as a popular gathering place for Udinese players and staff.
The suspicious activity was initially flagged by Sisal, one of Italy’s premier betting companies, through an algorithm designed to identify unusual betting patterns.
Preliminary findings suggest that a verbal agreement may have been made at the restaurant, which was subsequently formalized at a Sisal betting location in the city just days prior to the Lazio-Udinese match.
Okoye, who has been having a commendable season with Udinese since signing a four-year contract, is currently sidelined due to a wrist injury.
