Super Eagles goalie Maduka Okoye faces betting scandal probe in Italy

Super Eagles and Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is under investigation by the Udine Public Prosecutor’s Office over alleged suspicious betting activities linked to a yellow card he received during a Serie A match against Lazio in March 2024.

If found guilty, the 25-year-old could face a ban of up to four years.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, betting agency Sisal flagged unusual betting patterns through its algorithms, revealing a surge in bets predicting that Okoye would receive a booking during the match. The goalkeeper was cautioned for time-wasting in the 64th minute of Udinese’s 2-1 win over Lazio.

The investigation has also implicated Diego Giordano, a 40-year-old pizzeria owner in Udine. Authorities allege that a verbal agreement to place the bet was made at Giordano’s Biffi pizzeria before being executed at a Sisal betting outlet days before the match.

Following Sisal’s report, prosecutors initiated a probe, leading to searches of both Okoye’s residence and Giordano’s property.

Okoye’s legal team has denied the allegations, describing them as “baseless and without substantial evidence.”

The investigation is being conducted under Article 24 of the Italian Code of Sports Justice, which prohibits professional footballers from betting on official events organised by FIGC, UEFA, or FIFA.

This controversy comes amid a challenging period for Okoye, who is recovering from wrist surgery that has sidelined him. Udinese has already signed Norwegian goalkeeper Egil Selvik as temporary cover.

Since joining Udinese in 2023, Okoye has become a key player, making 37 appearances across all competitions.