Maduka Okoye, Super Eagles goalkeeper has been handed a two-month suspension for illegal betting after being found guilty of illegal betting activity by a commission.
Okoye was in danger of being suspended for four years but the panel did not find him guilty of sporting fraud. The goalkeeper was suspected for betting after the Serie A match between Udinese and Lazio on March 11, 2024.
He was booked for time wasting with his team leading at 2-1 in the 64th minute and later received a yellow card in the game. However, there was suspicion of betting activity around the goalkeeper receiving a yellow card and it was flagged for the authorities who began investigations.
It was found that most of the bets which were at 8/1 odds generated over €120,000 in winnings and were from the provinces of Udine, where Okoye’s club is located.
Okoye and three friends were investigated by the disciplinary commission in June 2025 which ruled on the betting case. This two-month ban starts from the opening match of the Coppa Italia against Carrarese on August 18. He will miss six Serie A rounds and will be available for selection from October 19, 2025
