Super Eagles goalkeeper and Udinese shot-stopper, Maduka Okoye, has been handed a two-month suspension following allegations of involvement in illegal betting activities.
According to Football Italia, the 25-year-old narrowly escaped a more severe penalty—potentially a four-year ban—after authorities conducted a probe into suspicious betting behaviour.
The situation came under scrutiny after Okoye received a yellow card for time-wasting in the 64th minute of Udinese’s Serie A clash with Lazio on March 11, 2024.
Authorities were alerted when an unusual spike in bets specifically predicting the Nigeria international would be cautioned was observed, prompting an official investigation.
Okoye, along with three others, was investigated and subsequently referred to the disciplinary commission in June 2025.
As a result of the commission’s ruling, the goalkeeper will miss Udinese’s Coppa Italia tie against Carrarese on August 18, along with six Serie A matches.
He is expected to return to action on October 19.
