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Okoye banned over betting scandal

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Udinese and Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been handed a two-month ban by the Italian Football Federation following a high-profile betting scandal linked to a match against Lazio during the 2023/2024 season.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper was found guilty of sporting misconduct after allegations emerged that he deliberately sought a yellow card during the league match against Lazio.

The suspicious booking triggered an investigation into abnormal betting patterns related to that specific incident.

According to a statement from the FIGC, Okoye was accused of intentionally committing an act that led to his caution in order to influence betting outcomes.

The case has raised fresh concerns over the integrity of players’ conduct and the growing influence of illegal betting syndicates on professional football.

Following a thorough disciplinary inquiry, the FIGC’s National Federal Tribunal officially confirmed its decision on Tuesday, announcing that Okoye would serve a two-month ban from all official matches.

The ban will commence from the first official game of the 2025/2026 season.

The court statement, issued by the Disciplinary Section of the National Federal Tribunal, read, “The National Federal Tribunal, Disciplinary Section, definitively ruling, imposes on Mr Emil Maduka Okoye the sanction of two (2) months of disqualification in official matches, starting from the beginning of the first official competition of the 2025/2026 sporting season.”

This ruling means Okoye will miss six competitive matches, including Udinese’s season opener in the Coppa Italia against Carrarese on August 18, as well as the first five Serie A fixtures.

He will become eligible for selection again from October 19 when Udinese face newly promoted Cremonese away from home.

The outcome has sparked debate across both Italy and Nigeria, especially given Okoye’s national team status.

It also adds to growing scrutiny on the actions of players involved in controversial betting-related misconduct in recent years.

Okoye, who previously served as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper and played at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, has not yet publicly commented on the ruling.

He has struggled to regain his top form since that tournament and faced criticism for inconsistent performances. The suspension now places further doubt on his chances of reclaiming a regular starting role at both club and international level.

 

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Super Falcons star Tosin Demehin signs new Galatasaray deal

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Super Falcons defender Tosin Demehin has extended her stay with Turkish club Galatasaray Women after an impressive debut season that showcased her as one of Nigeria’s emerging defensive stars.

The 23-year-old centre-back joined Galatasaray in the summer of 2024 from French side Stade de Reims and quickly established herself as a key figure in the team. She featured in 26 matches across all competitions, scoring once, and helped anchor the club’s defense, contributing to a fourth-place finish in the Turkish Women’s Super League and Galatasaray’s first-ever appearance in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Demehin’s breakthrough season coincided with her international rise. She played every match for the Super Falcons at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, helping Nigeria secure a record-extending 10th title. She also scored her first international goal during Nigeria’s 5-0 quarter-final victory over Zambia. “It was a dream tournament for me; playing every game, scoring for my country, and lifting the trophy with my teammates,” Demehin said following the triumph.

Her contract extension also highlights a growing Nigerian presence at Galatasaray, joining Victor Osimhen, who leads the men’s team, as the only Nigerians representing the Istanbul club.

As Galatasaray prepare for the 2025/26 season, Demehin’s composure, aerial ability, and tactical awareness will be vital as the club aims for stronger domestic and European campaigns.

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Super Eagles’ Eric Chelle Defends Oyowah Call-Up, Admits Regret Over Sudan Defeat In CHAN

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Super Eagles B coach, Eric Chelle, has revealed that he was criticised for selecting midfielder Alex Young Oyowah in Nigeria’s squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in the Ivory Coast.

It was reports that Eric Chelle and his Home-based Super Eagles players bowed out of the 2024 CHAN on Tuesday despite a 2-0 win over Congo in their final Group D fixture, with goals from Anas Yusuf and Sikiru Alimi sealing the victory. Oyowah, who was named Man of the Match, emerged as one of the few bright sparks of the campaign.

Speaking after the game, Chelle revealed that Oyowah’s inclusion was widely questioned.

“For example, the player who won the Man of the Match award against Congo, Alex, I put him on our list for the tournament a week before we left, and everyone said, ‘Why did you call him up when he’s not known?’” he said via CAF’s official website.

The coach admitted the team was far from fully prepared for the tournament.

“We were not ready to participate in this tournament. Whoever attends our training sessions will notice that our players were not mentally prepared to participate in this version of the tournament,” Chelle explained.

Despite finishing with three points, the Super Eagles placed third in Group D behind Sudan and Senegal, who advanced to the knockout stage. Chelle admitted Nigeria’s heaviest blow was their 4-0 defeat to Sudan.

“Our deep regret stems from our heavy defeat to Sudan, but that’s football,” the coach added. “We will carefully analyse the Sudan match to make up for what happened in the future.”

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Brown Ideye Announces Retirement From Professional Football

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Former Super Eagles forward, Brown Ideye, has officially retired from professional football after a career that spanned nearly two decades across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Brown Ideye, 36, made the announcement on Wednesday, August 21, in a statement shared via his 𝕏 handle.

It was reports that Brown Ideye announced his retirement from professional football after Nigeria Premier Football League club, Enyimba listed him among the players who were released from the side.

“After much thought and consideration with mixed emotions, I’ve decided to retire from professional football,” he wrote. “I will first like to thank God for the talent and the long career I’ve enjoyed. I thank my family and friends for their unwavering love, support and understanding till this day.”

Brown Ideye, who earned 28 international caps and scored six goals for Nigeria, was a member of the Super Eagles team that lifted the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 under the late coach Stephen Keshi.

At club level, Ideye featured in several top leagues, including the English Premier League with West Bromwich Albion, the Greek Super League with Olympiacos, and the Chinese Super League with Tianjin Teda. He also had spells in Spain and Ukraine, establishing himself as a well-traveled and respected professional.

In his farewell note, Ideye hinted that his journey in football was not over despite hanging up his boots. “Football will always be a part of my life as I enter my next chapter,” he added.

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