Can Udinese GK Maduka Okoye feature for Nigeria against Rwanda & Zimbabwe despite betting probe?

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye finds himself at the center of a controversy that could have severe consequences for his career, Soccernet.ng notes.

The Udinese shot-stopper is currently under investigation for allegedly betting on his own yellow card during a Serie A match against Lazio on March 11, 2024.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Okoye was booked for time-wasting in the 64th minute of that game, which Lazio won 2-1.

Betting irregularities flagged by Italian agency Sisal raised suspicions, triggering an official investigation. Reports suggest significant sums were placed on Okoye receiving a yellow card, raising concerns about potential match manipulation.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has launched its own inquiry, running parallel to the Udine Prosecutor’s Office’s criminal investigation. FIFA and UEFA have long maintained a strict stance on betting-related offenses, with previous cases leading to multi-year bans for implicated players.

If found guilty, Okoye could face a suspension of up to four years, potentially derailing his promising career.

The stakes are high, as match-fixing allegations not only damage a player’s reputation but also threaten the integrity of the sport.

Investigations so far: No evidence found against Maduka Okoye

Despite the serious nature of the accusations, the investigation has yet to produce concrete evidence implicating Okoye.

His lawyer, Maurizio Conti, has assured that the Nigerian goalkeeper has fully cooperated with authorities.

“We are calm,” Conti told Telefriuli via Calcio Udinese. “That type of (yellow card) warning is not unusual during a football match, especially if your team is winning. Furthermore, given Udinese’s position in the league table last March, it was not easy to imagine that the Bianconeri would take the lead away from home against Lazio.”

Authorities conducted a thorough search of Okoye’s residence, but no betting receipts or incriminating evidence were found.

Investigators also examined his cell phones, one with an Italian SIM and the other with a German SIM, but no suspicious activity was detected.

Okoye’s lawyer remains confident that his client will be exonerated.

“They didn’t find anything significant for the investigation, just a pair of gloves and some football boots,” Conti added.

Meanwhile, Okoye continues to recover from wrist surgery and remains uninvolved with any ongoing arrests related to the case.

As it stands, the likelihood of him being cleared appears strong, but the final verdict rests in the hands of investigators.

Could Maduka Okoye be available for Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers?

Despite the cloud of investigation hanging over him, Okoye remains Nigeria’s most experienced goalkeeper in Europe’s top five leagues.

The 25-year-old has made 14 Serie A appearances for Udinese this season, clocking 1,260 minutes before his injury in December.

With Nigeria preparing for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda in Kigali and Zimbabwe in Uyo, Okoye’s presence could be vital. Okoye’s return from injury is expected in early March, giving him time to regain match fitness before the international break.

While Stanley Nwabali of Chippa United has emerged as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, Okoye remains a capable deputy.

New Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will be keeping a close eye on the situation, as Okoye’s availability could provide valuable depth in the goalkeeping department.

At this point, there is no official reason to exclude Okoye from the squad. Unless he faces disciplinary action before the March fixtures, he is likely to be in contention for a call-up.

If not Maduka Okoye, who are the alternatives?

Should Chelle opt to leave Okoye out of the squad due to the ongoing distractions, there are several goalkeeping options available.

The Malian tactician could consider Adebayo Adeleye of Enosis Neon Paralimniou in Cyprus, Wrexham AFC’s Arthur Okonkwo and Shooting Stars goalie Mustapha Lawal.

Adebayo, 24, has been in impressive form in the Cypriot First Division, registering six clean sheets in recent games. His agility and quick reflexes make him a strong contender for a starting role.

Arsenal youth product, Okonkwo, now with Wrexham in League One, has gained valuable experience in English football. His imposing 1.98-meter frame allows him to dominate aerial duels, while his shot-stopping ability is one of his strongest attributes.

Shooting Stars’ goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal’s track record is fire

✅ 6 consecutive clean sheets at home.

✅10 clean sheets in the current campaign

✅ The last time the 3SC conceded a goal was over 2 months ago.#soccerbytes #NPFL25 pic.twitter.com/yWKhPDlS47

— SoccerBytes (@SoccerBytes_) January 30, 2025

Lawal, on the other hand, has been the most consistent goalkeeper in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) this season.

His heroics have helped Shooting Stars maintain the best defensive record in the league, with the club sitting second behind Remo Stars.

Shooting Stars SC’s goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal pulled off some heroics in their game against Rivers United. He saved a penalty, but the referee ordered a retake. Remarkably, he saved it again.#NPFL25 #RIVSHO pic.twitter.com/PdDfXaxAcM

— NPFL News (@NPFL_News) October 18, 2024

While none of these options boast the European top-flight experience that Okoye does, each has shown the capability to step up if needed.

What lies ahead for Okoye?

As things stand, Maduka Okoye remains innocent until proven guilty. With no concrete evidence linking him to the betting scandal, he is expected to be available for Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers unless new developments arise.

However, the case serves as a reminder of the dangers surrounding betting-related offenses in football. Even without direct involvement, being linked to a scandal can have lasting consequences for a player’s reputation and career.

For Nigeria, the priority remain securing crucial victories against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Whether Okoye is in goal or not, Eric Chelle must ensure that the Super Eagles have a reliable shot-stopper between ...s when the time comes.