Maduka Okoye’s Late Arrival Sparks Fresh Questions After Cardi B Sighting

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has come under renewed scrutiny after arriving late at Nigeria’s camp in Uyo ahead of the team’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Udinese goalkeeper was the last member of the 24-man squad to report to camp, with the rest of the players already involved in preparations for Nigeria’s upcoming fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Attention around Okoye’s delayed arrival intensified after footage surfaced showing him with American rapper Cardi B at Milan Fashion Week. Okoye was in Milan representing Udinese and modelling the club’s third kit.

The sighting triggered criticism from some Nigerian fans and commentators, particularly because the Super Eagles had already begun preparations for Friday’s qualifier against Madagascar.

Questions were also raised about the lack of official communication regarding when the goalkeeper was expected to join the national team.

The latest development comes as Okoye competes for the starting goalkeeping position with Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo. Okoye had featured prominently for Nigeria in the June international window, including the friendlies against Poland and Portugal.

Despite the criticism surrounding his late arrival, Okoye has now joined the squad as Nigeria prepares for its opening AFCON 2027 qualifying fixture.

Neither Okoye nor Cardi B has publicly confirmed reports that they are romantically involved. Their repeated public appearances, however, have continued to attract attention online.