Maduka Okoye, the Super Eagles goalkeeper who recently dazzled fans with a strong performance against Russia, now faces serious allegations in Italy.
Prosecutors have named him in an ongoing investigation into illegal betting tied to a Serie A match between Udinese and Lazio in March 2024.
According to Italian news agency Ansa, investigators believe Okoye intentionally received a yellow card in the 63rd minute for time-wasting, an action that allegedly triggered suspicious betting activity. Authorities traced several high-stakes wagers to the Udine region, where punters reportedly won a combined €120,000 based on that specific in-game event.
The Italian Prosecution Office claims the incident was not coincidental but part of a deliberate act involving Okoye and three other unnamed individuals. Their findings, which stem from an investigation launched in 2023, suggest a coordinated effort to manipulate betting outcomes for financial gain.
Okoye remained out of action during the investigation’s early stages, only returning to the pitch in March 2025 once scrutiny around the case intensified. Sources close to the inquiry reveal that a final report is near completion and that the goalkeeper is likely to face formal charges once it is submitted.
This scandal represents a significant setback for Okoye, whose stock had risen following his international performances. If proven guilty, the repercussions could stretch beyond club or country, potentially ending what had appeared to be a promising football career.
