Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye under investigation for ‘match-fixing’

The Super Eagles’ goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, is presently being investigated in Italy for a match that his team, Udinese, played in the previous season.

According to sources, the Udine prosecutor’s office is in charge of the investigation following an odd trend of betting incidents involving the betting company Snai.

An abnormally high amount of wagers were made on Okoye receiving a booking during Udinese’s match against Lazio on March 11, 2024.

Maduka Okoye raised suspicions after he was reportedly cautioned during the match for time-wasting in the 64th minute.

Aside from Okoye, a 40-year-old pizzeria owner in Udine called Diego Giordano, has been implicated for his regular interactions with Udinese players and staff.

Maduka and Giordano are currently facing charges of fraud, and investigators are attempting to verify the details of their communications, including mobile phone chats, to uncover any potential agreements.

If Okoye is found guilty, he could face sanctions ranging from seven months to four years away from the pitch.