Maduka Okoye Set for Udinese Return After Two-Month Suspension
Nigeria’s number one shot-stopper, Maduka Okoye, is set to return to action for Udinese on October 20 after serving a two-month suspension that briefly cast doubts on his career.
The 26-year-old was suspended in July following allegations linked to illegal betting after a controversial booking during Udinese’s 2-1 win over Lazio. Okoye received a yellow card in the 64th minute for time-wasting, an incident that fueled speculation of possible match-fixing and raised fears of a four-year ban.
However, the disciplinary committee eventually ruled the case under illegal betting rather than fraud, reducing the punishment to a two-month suspension. That decision now clears him to feature when Udinese take on Cremonese later this month.
Since joining the Italian side in 2023, Okoye has grown into their first-choice goalkeeper, and his return is seen as a major boost as the club looks to climb the Serie A standings.
Meanwhile, another Nigerian goalkeeper is making moves of his own. Kayode Bankole, 22, has completed a transfer to South African side TS Galaxy, signing a two-year deal after leaving NPFL champions
