Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is set to return from injury, but the Udinese goalkeeper now finds himself caught in the middle of a betting scandal that could overshadow his comeback.
Okoye Back in Action After Wrist Surgery
Okoye, 24, has been out for over a month after undergoing surgery to repair a scapholunate ligament tear in his right wrist, his absence was a major setback, but he has now resumed full training with Udinese, preparing for a potential return to action.
According to Tutto Udinese, Okoye was among the players who reported back to the club’s Bruseschi training center this week, joining teammates Keinan Davis and Kingsley Ehizibue ahead of their upcoming clash against Napoli.
Okoye in action in the Serie A
Despite missing several weeks, Okoye has been one of Serie A’s standout goalkeepers this season, making 14 appearances and registering 42 saves. His return could also put him in contention for a Super Eagles call-up ahead of Nigeria’s key qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.
Betting Scandal Threatens His Career
However, just as Okoye looks set to reclaim his spot, he is now facing serious off-field allegations. Reports in Italy claim that he is under investigation for allegedly placing a bet on himself to receive a yellow card during Udinese’s Serie A clash against Lazio on March 11, 2024.
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The booking, which occurred in the 64th minute for time-wasting, reportedly triggered an alert from Italian betting company Sisal, whose algorithm flagged unusual betting patterns on that specific incident.
If the allegations prove true, Okoye could face disciplinary action, which might jeopardize both his club and international future. Okoye chose to represent Nigeria over Germany and was the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper at the 2021 AFCON, though he faced criticism after the team’s early exit.
He returned to the squad under Augustine Eguavoen, playing in Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to Rwanda in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. With new head coach Eric Chelle now leading the team, Okoye’s return from injury was expected to strengthen Nigeria’s squad.
However, the betting scandal could complicate his chances of reclaiming his starting role, especially as Nigeria is desperate for back-to-back victories against Rwanda and Zimbabwe to turn their qualification campaign around.
