Maduka Okoye is set to miss the Super Eagles’ crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe on March 17 and 24, as he is expected to return to full competitive fitness by April 13.
Despite speculation linking his absence to an alleged betting scandal, it is important to note that the former Watford goalkeeper is under investigation by Italian authorities and has not been found guilty of any wrongdoing.
Okoye recently underwent successful surgery for a ligament injury, which was initially expected to sideline him for several months. However, another twist emerged when reports surfaced that he was being investigated for allegedly placing a bet on receiving a yellow card during a Serie A match against Lazio on March 11, 2024.
Okoye’s lawyer Maurizio Conti recently denied allegations labelled against his client also revealing the the authorities visited his apartment in search of betting tickets but only found gloves and football boots.
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“We are calm. That type of warning is not unusual during a football match, especially if your team is winning,” Conti said.
My client (Okoye) learned of his entry in the register of suspects at the end of December when the judicial police searched his home for any betting receipts.”
According to a reputable German-based football statistics website Transfermarkt, Okoye will only be cleared for competitive action on April 13. This timeline effectively rules him out of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers but leaves the door open for his potential return in June for the friendly against Russia.
Although there are reports that Okoye has resumed training, it remains uncertain whether his wrist has fully healed from surgery.
With Stanley Nwabali as the only proven goalkeeper for the Super Eagles, head coach Eric Chelle may need to explore options within the Nigeria Premier Football League or consider eligible players of Nigerian descent abroad to bolster the squad.
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