Super Eagles and Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is being investigated in Italy over his alleged involvement in a betting scandal. According to Messaggero Veneto (via Foot Italia), the Udine Prosecutor’s Office is looking into Okoye for reportedly betting on his own yellow card during a match against Lazio on March 11, 2024. The incident occurred in the 64th minute when Okoye was booked for time-wasting during a goal kick. Investigators are examining whether this action was part of a premeditated plan, as prosecutors allege he purposely sought to receive a booking to benefit from a bet on that specific outcome. Additionally, Diego Giordano, a 40-year-old owner of the well-known Biffi pizzeria, has also been implicated in the investigation. The restaurant is a popular hangout for Udinese players and staff. The suspicious activity was first noticed by Sisal, a major Italian betting company, using an algorithm to identify unusual betting trends. Initial investigations suggested that a verbal agreement may have been made at the restaurant, which was later formalized at a Sisal betting location in the city days before the Lazio-Udinese match. Okoye, who has been having a strong season with Udinese since signing a four-year contract, is currently sidelined with a wrist injury. His performances have received praise, with statistics showing he made 25 saves this season, 16 of which were from shots within the penalty area—the highest in Serie A at that time. He returned to the Super Eagles for the first time since 2022 during the AFCON 2025 qualifier against Rwanda in Uyo, but unfortunately, his comeback ended in a 2-1 defeat as Rwanda rallied from a goal down to win. Do you have what it takes? Foresee and Earn Millions Today. Sign Up Now. Do you have what it requires? Foresee and Earn Millions Today. Sign Up Now
