SUPER Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye could be banned for up to four years by Italian authorities over a his alleged involvement in a betting scheme.
The Udinese star is being investigated for sporting fraud and the case has been deferred to the disciplinary commission in Italy.
Okoye, 25, is accused of deliberately receiving a yellow card in the 64th minute during a Serie A match between Udinese and Lazio.
The match was played on March 11, 2024, and he was booked for time-wasting with his team leading 2-1.
Authorities flagged a rush of suspicious betting activity around Okoye receiving a yellow card, which at 8/1 odds allegedly generated over €120,000 in winning bets.
Most of them were based around the provinces of the city of Udine.
Okoye was placed under investigation along with three friends, including the owner of a pizza restaurant in Udine, and has now been deferred to the disciplinary commission.
According to Football Italia, the charges Okoye now faces are more serious than previously thought, with the charges elevated to sporting fraud rather than just irregular betting.
If found guilty of sporting fraud, then Okoye risks up to a four-year ban.
The Nigeria international with 18 senior caps joined Udinese from Watford in the summer of 2023, and has made 48 appearances for the club, 46 of them in Serie A.