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

Maduka Okoye, the Super Eagles goalkeeper, is currently under investigation in Italy about a game played by his team, Udinese, last season.

According to the report, the investigation is led by the Udine prosecutor’s office after an unusual pattern of betting scandals by Snai, a betting company.

A report from an Italian Newspaper,  Messagero Veneto, reported that an unusually high number of bets were placed on Okoye to receive 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.