Italian authorities sanction Nigerian international after suspicious betting flagged in Lazio-Udinese clash
Maduka Okoye, the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Udinese goalkeeper, has been slapped with a two-month ban by Italian football authorities for involvement in illegal betting activities. The sanction follows an in-depth investigation into suspicious betting patterns during Udinese’s 2-1 victory over Lazio on March 11, 2024.
The 25-year-old was shown a yellow card for time-wasting in the 64th minute of the match—a moment authorities claim coincided with a wave of unusual betting activity. The bets, mostly placed at 8/1 odds and reportedly generating over €120,000 in winnings, were traced back to various locations within the province of Udine.
Okoye was one of four individuals, including three of his acquaintances, who were investigated and referred to the disciplinary commission in June 2025. While initial fears suggested he could face a four-year suspension for alleged sporting fraud, the commission found him guilty only of the lesser charge of illegal betting.
The ban officially begins on August 18, 2025, coinciding with Udinese’s Coppa Italia fixture against Carrarese. As a result, Okoye is set to miss six Serie A matches and is expected to make his return on October 19.
Okoye, who has 18 international caps for Nigeria, joined Serie A side Udinese from Watford in 2023. The ban marks a significant setback in his career as both club and country now look to navigate his absence in the opening months of the 2025/26 season.
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