Maduka Okoye Archives | Trendbrio.com

Nigerian Goalkeeper Bags Two-Month Ban

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Super Eagles and Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who had been accused of match-fixing, has been cleared of all charges but given a two-month ban by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), the Serie A club said. The FIGC National Federal Court, which met on Tuesday to discuss the charge against Nigerian Okoye, “has excluded any involvement of the player in sports offences, after accepting the arguments of his lawyers”, Udinese said in a statement. “During the trial, all charges of alleged sporting misconduct were dropped, and the decision to impose a two-month ban was based solely on a violation of the general principle of fairness (Article 4 of the Federal Sports Justice Code). “The club has stated that it is satisfied with the court’s conclusion that the player was not involved in the infamous match-fixing theory. The club wishes to reiterate its full support for Okoye, who is awaiting the reasons for the decision. Udinese Calcio reasserts that it is firmly convinced of Maduka’s proper conduct.” The 25-year-old Nigerian international was alleged to have deliberately collected a booking during his team’s Italian league match against Lazio in March 2024. The German-born goalkeeper received a yellow card for time-wasting, after an alleged deal reached with a friend who won 120,000 euros ($140,000) as a result of a bet. The FIGC investigation established that there was no intention to fix the match, which would have been punishable by a four-year fine. However Okoye, who has been with Udinese since 2023, will be suspended from August 18 to October 19. He will therefore miss seven of his team’s matches — six in the league and one in the Coppa Italia.

Maduka Okoye Bags Enugu State Sports Ambassadorial Role

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Super Eagles and Udinese of Italy goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye has been appointed as Enugu State Sports Ambassador. The State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah made the announcement via his official Twitter now X handle on Wednesday. According to him, “Today, I had the pleasure of receiving the Super Eagles and Udinese star goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, at the Lion Building. “A true son of Enugu, Maduka is not just making us proud on the national and global stage, he is also poised to give back. He shared his vision to launch a charitable foundation and establish a football academy right here in Enugu, to inspire young talents, nurture future stars, and touch lives. “In recognition of his achievements and commitment, I’m proud to appoint him as an Ambassador of Enugu State. He will serve as a role model to our children, especially those in our Smart Green Schools, and inspire a new generation of dreamers and achievers. “To support his football academy, I have committed to providing land for the project. I also invited him to participate in the next edition of Enugu International Marathon, which will feature elite runners from around the world. “At the heart of our vision is the youth – their talent, passion, and future. And with proud sons like Maduka Okoye, Enugu is truly rising.”

Super Eagles’ goalie, Okoye risks four-year ban

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago02 mins

The Udine Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into Nigeria and Udinese’s Maduka Okoye, as the goalkeeper is suspected of illegal betting practices and could risk a ban from all competitions for at least four years. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, betting agency Sisal reported unusual gambling patterns detected by its algorithms, as people placed an abnormal amount of bets on the likelihood of Okoye being booked during Udinese’s away clash at Lazio in March of 2024, with the goalkeeper receiving a yellow card for time-wasting after 64 minutes. Such a warning sparked suspicions in the public prosecutor, who is also looking at the role of Diego Giordano, a 40-year-old owner of the Biffi pizzeria in Udine. The pink newspaper explained that the restaurant owner is also under investigation, as it’s alleged that a verbal agreement regarding the bet was made at the pizzeria and later executed at a Sisal betting outlet in the city, just a few days before the meeting between Lazio and Udinese. If found guilty, Okoye could face a ban from all competitions for at least four years, in addition to potential legal consequences. However, the player’s legal representatives have denied all allegations, claiming that the accusations are unfounded and lack any substantial evidence. The goalkeeper is now out of action after undergoing wrist surgery, with the club recently signing Egil Selvik as a precautionary measure.