Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is now officially under investigation in Italy for alleged match-fixing, with the Udinese shot-stopper facing a possible four-year ban from football if found guilty of sporting misconduct.
The troubling development stems from a Serie A match against Lazio on March 11, 2024, in which Okoye received a yellow card for time-wasting in the 64th minute while his side was leading 2–1. At the time, the incident appeared routine.
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However, it later raised red flags due to suspicious betting activity tied specifically to Okoye being booked.
According to Corriere dello Sport, the Italian federal prosecutor has now formally accused Okoye of violating Article 30 of Italy’s sporting code. The article addresses any deliberate action that seeks to alter the outcome of a match or gain an unfair advantage considered among the most serious offences in Italian football.
Maduka Okoye’s allegations
Investigators allege that Okoye had a prior arrangement with a friend, the owner of a pizzeria in Udine who reportedly placed substantial bets on Okoye receiving a yellow card during that exact match.
The bets paid out eight times the stake, with over €120,000 in winnings, most of which were claimed locally in the Udine area.
If found guilty, Okoye could be banned from football for up to four years, which would significantly derail his career, both at the club and international level.
This investigation also casts a shadow over his role with the Super Eagles, where he had only recently returned to favour, playing in an international friendly and showing signs of rebuilding confidence after a difficult period post-AFCON 2021.
