Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye is under investigation over an alleged betting scandal in Italy.
According to Messagero Veneto, an Italian newspaper, the Udinese goalkeeper is being investigated by the Udine prosecutor’s office for “anomalous bets” on one of the team’s games last season.
A betting company, Snai detected unusual gambling activities on its system, with an abnormal number of bets placed on Okoye to receive a booking during Udinese’s game against Lazio on 11 March 2024.
The goalkeeper was cautioned for time-wasting in the 64th minute, and Udinese won 2-1. The booking, just 19 minutes into the second half, raised suspicions.
The other suspect in the case is Diego Giordano, a 40-year-old pizzeria owner in the city of Udine. Udinese players and officials are regular customers in Giordano’s pizzeria.
Messagero Veneto said the two defendants, who became aware of the investigation in December 2024, have been charged with fraud.
The prosecutors aim to verify the relationship between the footballer and the entrepreneur before the match and whether they agreed to make the bets go through.
The content of mobile phone chats between the suspects was copied to uncover any possible agreements. Searches were carried out in the properties frequented by the suspects in search of gambling receipts.
Okoye risks potential sanctions ranging from seven months to four years if found guilty, depending on the severity of any proven offences.
