Okoye in fresh controversy over driving offence

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has found himself embroiled in yet another legal controversy, this time for a serious driving-related offence that further complicates his already turbulent professional and personal life.

Italian authorities have reported catching the 25-year-old goalkeeper driving an unregistered vehicle without a valid driver’s licence or insurance. Authorities fined Okoye for the offence, adding to a growing list of off-field challenges that threaten to overshadow his sporting career.

The latest incident comes at a particularly sensitive time for Okoye, who was recently named in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

The driving offence represents another significant setback for the Udinese goalkeeper, who has been struggling with a series of personal and professional controversies.

The goalkeeper is currently under investigation for an alleged betting scandal related to a yellow card he received during a Serie A match against Lazio in March 2024. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, betting agencies detected unusual gambling activities surrounding a booking Okoye received for time-wasting in the 64th minute of a match.

The betting investigation has potentially serious consequences. If found guilty, Okoye could face a ban of up to four years under Article 24 of the Italian Code of Sports Justice, which strictly prohibits professional footballers from gambling on official events organised by FIGC, UEFA, and FIFA.

Adding to his troubles, Okoye’s personal life has also been fraught with controversy.

In September 2024, his relationship with Dutch model Jelicia Westhoff became a public spectacle when she accused him of disrespecting their relationship and her family. Although Westhoff later retracted her statements and apologised, unverified allegations of emotional and physical abuse emerged, which Okoye strongly denied.

Since joining Udinese in 2023 following a disappointing spell at Watford, Okoye had established himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper before being sidelined by wrist surgery. The club has already signed Norwegian goalkeeper Egil Selvik as cover, indicating potential uncertainty about Okoye’s future.

With these mounting off-field issues, questions are increasingly being raised about Okoye’s focus and discipline. His return to the national team comes at a critical moment, with the goalkeeper having not played any games this year and facing multiple investigations and personal challenges.