Super Eagles and Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been suspended for two months by Italian football authorities after being found guilty of illegal betting.
The 25-year-old Nigerian international will be sidelined from 18 August to 19 October 2025, missing the start of the new Serie A season, including six league matches and Udinese’s Coppa Italia tie against Carrarese.
The ban follows an investigation into suspicious betting activity during Udinese’s 2-1 win over Lazio on 11 March 2024. Okoye was booked in the 64th minute for time-wasting, triggering a series of unusual bets on him receiving a yellow card.
Authorities reported that bets placed at 8/1 odds yielded over €120,000 in winnings, predominantly from the Udine area. Okoye and three associates were referred to the disciplinary commission in June after being placed under investigation.
Although initial concerns pointed to possible sporting fraud, which carries a four-year ban, prosecutors pursued the lesser charge of illegal betting. Okoye was subsequently found guilty.
The former Watford player, who joined Udinese in 2023 and has 18 international caps for Nigeria, is expected to return on 19 October. In his absence, Razvan Sava will likely assume the starting role in goal for Udinese.
