…Maduka Okoye, Cardi B videos sparks dating rumours
Football fans have criticised Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after he was spotted with American rapper Cardi B in Milan while Nigeria continued preparations for its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Okoye was spotted in Milan on Tuesday during the ongoing Milan Fashion Week, where he was seen with Cardi B. The pair have been photographed together on several occasions in recent months, fuelling speculation about their relationship, although neither has publicly confirmed that they are dating.
The latest sighting came as Okoye remained the only member of Nigeria’s 24-man squad yet to report to camp. Twenty-three players had already taken part in training ahead of Friday’s opening Group L qualifier against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
According to Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe, Okoye was granted permission to arrive in camp later than his teammates to attend to family and personal matters. He is expected to join the squad on Thursday, a day before the Madagascar encounter.
More Read
However, videos of the Udinese goalkeeper with Cardi B in Milan have triggered a strong reaction from sections of the Nigerian football community, with some fans questioning the timing of his absence given the proximity of Nigeria’s opening qualifier.
Social media user Adesanya Adebayo criticised Okoye’s decision to remain in Milan while his teammates were already training in Uyo.
“23 Super Eagles are already training in Uyo for Madagascar. Maduka Okoye is in Milan taking pictures with Cardi B.
“NFF said he asked permission for ‘family and personal matters.’ Fashion Week is family business now?”
Another fan, Kalu Mathias Okirike, simply wrote:
“Maduka Okoye chooses Cardi B over the Super Eagles of Nigeria. Life ehhhhh.”
Sports journalist Ojora Babatunde also questioned the timing of Okoye’s appearance in Milan, writing:
“Maduka Okoye still in Milan (as of yesterday).
“I’m not saying you can’t flex. But maybe you should have sat this one out.”
Radio host Buchi Laba also weighed in, saying that even if Okoye had permission to arrive late, he should have avoided being seen in public so close to an important international fixture.
“I don’t want to overreact, but even if you’re not in camp with less than 42 hours to important qualifying matches for your country… you should not be seen in public places.
“It’s a big insult to the other players that are in camp. Hopefully, this video of Maduka Okoye chilling is old.”
Okoye’s delayed arrival has also placed attention on Nigeria’s goalkeeping options. Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo are already in camp, with Okoye expected to join them before Friday’s clash.
The Super Eagles will host Madagascar on Friday, September 25, before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later as they begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
