Maduka Okoye Banned for Two Months Over Alleged Illegal Betting
Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been handed a two-month ban following allegations of involvement in illegal betting activities, reports Football Italia.
The incident dates back to March 11, 2024, when Okoye, playing for Udinese, received a yellow card for time-wasting in the 64th minute of a Serie A clash against Lazio.
Italian betting authorities flagged a suspicious surge in wagers specifically predicting Okoye’s booking, prompting a full investigation.
The 25-year-old Nigerian international was later investigated alongside three acquaintances and brought before the disciplinary commission in June 2025.
Ban Reduced from Four Years to Two Months
Okoye risked a four-year suspension, which could have been career-threatening. However, the authorities imposed a significantly lighter two-month ban, citing insufficient evidence to prove deeper match-fixing involvement.
As a result, the former Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper will miss Udinese’s Coppa Italia fixture against Carrarese on August 18 and six Serie A matches at the start of the new season.
Okoye will only be eligible to return to competitive action on October 19, 2025.
Club and National Team Impact
The ban is a blow for Udinese, who had planned to rely on Okoye as their first-choice goalkeeper for the upcoming campaign. It also casts uncertainty over his Super Eagles future, as Nigeria are preparing for crucial international fixtures later in the year.
Meanwhile, his former club coach at Sparta Rotterdam has urged Okoye to “stay focused and return stronger,” hinting at a possible comeback to the Eredivisie if the player seeks a fresh start.
Okoye has yet to release an official statement addressing the ban.
