Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is set to return to action for Udinese on October 20, following the completion of his suspension over an illegal betting case.
The 25-year-old shot-stopper was sidelined after being implicated in a Serie A betting probe earlier this year, which saw several players across the Italian top flight investigated and sanctioned. Okoye, who maintained his innocence, was handed a short-term ban that ruled him out of Udinese’s recent fixtures.
Despite early concerns that he may face charges of sporting fraud and a four-year ban, the disciplinary tribunal decided to convict him of illicit betting instead.
Udinese have since struggled for consistency, with defensive lapses costing them crucial points. The return of Okoye, who cemented his place as first-choice keeper before the suspension, is expected to provide much-needed stability between the posts.
Club officials confirmed he will be eligible for selection when Udinese host their next league match on October 20, a date fans are already circling. “Maduka has trained well, remained professional, and is eager to help the team again,” a club source said.
For Okoye, the comeback also represents a chance to restore his reputation ahead of Nigeria’s international fixtures. With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and AFCON preparations on the horizon, his return to competitive action will be closely monitored by Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle.
