Super Eagles shot-stopper Maduka Okoye is set to return to action for Serie A side Udinese later this month.
The 26-year-old has been serving a two-month suspension imposed in July after Italian football authorities found him guilty of illegal betting.
The case stemmed from Udinese’s Serie A clash with Lazio on March 11, 2024, where Okoye received a yellow card for time-wasting in the 64th minute while his side led 2-1.
Though there were initial concerns he might face sporting fraud charges and a possible four-year ban, the disciplinary panel reduced the punishment to a two-month suspension for illegal betting.
Okoye’s ban officially ends on October 19, making him eligible for Udinese’s league fixture against Cremonese on October 20.
The former Watford goalkeeper could also be in contention for a Super Eagles recall in November when Nigeria face Venezuela and Colombia in international friendlies.
Okoye, who joined Udinese from Watford in 2023, has earned 18 caps for Nigeria since making his debut and previously starred for Dutch club Sparta Rotterdam.
