Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye could be banned from football for up to four years following serious allegations of sporting fraud linked to suspicious betting activity during a Serie A match, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 25-year-old Udinese shot-stopper is under investigation by Italian authorities over claims he deliberately received a yellow card during his side’s 2-1 win over Lazio on 11 March 2024.
Okoye was booked in the 64th minute by referee Gianluca Aureliano for time-wasting, a moment now under scrutiny after a flurry of irregular betting patterns.
Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport reports that bets placed on Okoye receiving a yellow card — at odds of 8/1 — allegedly generated over €120,000 in winnings, with most of the activity traced to fixed betting points in the province of Udine.
Investigators suspect the Nigerian international had a prior agreement with one of the bettors, reportedly a close friend who owns a pizza restaurant in Udine.
Okoye and three associates are now being investigated by the Udine Police Headquarters for sporting fraud — an offence considered more serious than conventional betting violations under Italian law.
“The Udinese goalkeeper has been reported by the federal prosecutor, who is accusing him of sporting misconduct based on Article 30 of the sporting code,” Italian reports said.
“This refers to any act aimed at altering the progress or result of a match to ensure anyone an advantage.”
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Unlike offences related to general betting, sporting fraud is not open to negotiated settlements, and conviction carries a mandatory punishment. The case has been formally referred to Italy’s disciplinary commission, meaning formal proceedings are imminent.
Okoye joined Udinese from Watford in the summer of 2023 and has made 48 appearances for the Italian club, including 46 in Serie A. He has 18 senior caps for Nigeria.
If found guilty, the former Sparta Rotterdam and Fortuna Düsseldorf keeper could face a suspension that may significantly derail his career at both club and international levels.