Cardi B and Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye were spotted together Tuesday night in Milan during Milan Fashion Week, restarting dating rumors that have followed the pair since July. The timing caused trouble. Okoye was the only one of 24 players called up by Nigeria’s Super Eagles who had not reported to camp ahead of Friday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar.
Neither Cardi B nor Okoye has confirmed a relationship. Still, the video has Nigerians split, with some cheering the pairing and others asking why the country’s goalkeeper was in Milan while his teammates trained without him.
Are Cardi B and Maduka Okoye dating?
No one has confirmed it. The closest thing to an answer came from Cardi B in an August interview with Vogue Arabia. She said Okoye was sweet and much kinder than his serious social media image suggests. Asked if fans would see more of him, she giggled and said she hoped so.
That is not a confirmation, but it is not a denial either.
Where have Cardi B and Maduka Okoye been seen together?
All over Europe. The pair first drew attention in July at Paris Couture Week, where Okoye sat beside Cardi B at the Jean Paul Gaultier show and took her hand to help her to her seat. On July 19, they had dinner with a group at the St. Regis Venice.
In early September, they were seen around Udine, where Okoye plays, and reportedly attended Udinese’s Coppa Italia match against Venezia. Then came Milan. Cardi B walked in Vogue World Milano wearing a vintage Versace dress, and later videos showed the two talking and laughing at a party.
Why are Nigerian fans upset about the Cardi B sighting?
Because Nigeria has a match on Friday. The Super Eagles held their first training session in Ikot Ekpene under coach Eric Chelle with 23 players present. Okoye was missing. Hours later, video of him with Cardi B began circulating online, drawing criticism from fans and journalists.
The frustration makes sense. Okoye earned Chelle’s trust with strong performances against Poland and Portugal in June and appeared to be Nigeria’s first choice in goal.
Is there more to Okoye’s late arrival?
Yes, and many critics are overlooking it. Okoye was in Milan on club business, representing Udinese at an event where he modeled the team’s new third kit. Soccernet.ng, citing sources, said that was why he was at Milan Fashion Week.
His last widely reported late arrival also had an explanation. In June 2024, he reached camp late after a labor strike disrupted domestic flights in Nigeria.
He has also made his commitment to Nigeria clear. Born in Germany to a Nigerian father and a German mother, Okoye chose Nigeria in 2019. He has said his father’s presence kept him deeply connected to his Nigerian roots.
What happens to Okoye and the Super Eagles now?
Stanley Nwabali is likely to start in goal. Soccernet.ng reported that Okoye looks certain to miss Friday’s opener against Madagascar, giving Nwabali, the more experienced option, a chance to reclaim the No. 1 jersey. Arthur Okonkwo is the other goalkeeper in camp.
Nigeria then faces Guinea-Bissau. Okoye was expected to join the team after his club commitments, according to Premium Times.
Cardi B has plenty of fans in Nigeria, and many are happy to see her close to one of the Super Eagles. The bigger question will be answered Friday in Uyo. If Nwabali keeps a clean sheet, the goalkeeper spot may not be waiting when Okoye arrives.
