Sports
Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Okoye Under Investigation Over Betting Scandal
By Gideon Ayeni
Nigerian Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, currently playing for Udinese, has come under investigation by Italian authorities over suspicious betting activities linked to a Serie A match last season.
The investigation of Maduka Okoye led by the Udine prosecutor’s office, is focused on irregular betting patterns involving Snai, a prominent betting company and Serie A matches.
Reports from Messagero Veneto, an Italian newspaper, reveal that an unusually large number of bets were placed on Okoye receiving a yellow card during Udinese’s fixture against Lazio on March 11, 2024.
Okoye’s booking, which occurred in the 64th minute for time-wasting, has raised concerns of possible foul play. Authorities are probing whether the caution was premeditated as part of a match-fixing scheme.
In addition to Okoye, a 40-year-old pizzeria owner from Udine, Diego Giordano, has been implicated. Giordano is alleged to have maintained close ties with Udinese players and staff, further fueling suspicions.
Both Okoye and Giordano are now facing charges of fraud in the course of his possible role in influencing Serie A matches. Investigators are analyzing their phone records and communications to uncover any evidence of collusion or prior arrangements.
If found guilty, Okoye could face sanctions ranging from a seven-month ban to a four-year suspension. This development marks a troubling turn in the Nigerian goalkeeper’s career, as fans and authorities alike await the outcome of the investigation.
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