By Korede James
Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is under investigation in Italy following his alleged involvement in a betting scandal.
According to Messaggero Veneto (via Foot Italia) the Udine Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into Okoye for allegedly betting on his own yellow card during a match between his Udinese side and Lazio on March 11, 2024.
The incident in question happened during the 64th minute of the game when Okoye received a yellow card for time-wasting during a goal kick.
His action has now come under intense scrutiny as investigators suspect it may have been part of a premeditated scheme.
Prosecutors are alleging that he deliberately sought to receive a booking to profit from a bet placed on that specific outcome.
Diego Giordano, the 40-year-old owner of the popular Biffi pizzeria, has also been implicated in the case. The restaurant is known to be a frequent spot for Udinese players and staff.
The suspicious activity was initially flagged by Sisal, one of Italy’s leading betting companies, through an algorithm designed to detect unusual betting patterns.
Preliminary findings indicated that there may have been a verbal agreement made at the restaurant, which was later formalized at a Sisal betting point in the city just days before the Lazio-Udinese match.
Okoye, who had been enjoying a successful season with Udinese since joining the club on a four-year deal, is currently out with a wrist injury.
His performances had been drawing plaudits with statistics showing he had made 25 saves this season, 16 of which were from shots inside the penalty area – the highest in Serie A at the time.
He made his return to the Super Eagles for the first time since 2022, when the three-time African champions hosted Rwanda on matchday 6 of the AFCON 2025 qualifier in Uyo.
However, he marked his return with defeat as the Rwandans came from a goal down to win 2-1.
