Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been spotted with American rapper Cardi B in Milan, Italy, as he remains the only member of Nigeria’s 24-man squad yet to join camp ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Footage circulating on social media showed the Udinese goalkeeper and Cardi B together in Milan on Tuesday during Milan Fashion Week, where Okoye was also involved in an event for his Italian club.
The 27-year-old was expected to join the Super Eagles after attending to his club commitments. Reports from the national team camp said Okoye had been granted permission to handle personal and club matters and was expected to arrive in Nigeria on Thursday.
Twenty-three players had already reported to camp and taken part in Nigeria’s first training session ahead of Friday’s Group L opener against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Okoye’s latest appearance with Cardi B has nevertheless attracted significant attention because the pair have been spotted together on several occasions since July. They were previously seen together at a Jean Paul Gaultier show during Paris Couture Week and later at a dinner in Venice.
The repeated appearances have sparked dating speculation, although neither Okoye nor Cardi B has publicly confirmed that they are in a relationship. Cardi B previously described the Nigerian goalkeeper as “really sweet” in an interview with Vogue Arabia.
Okoye was included in coach Éric Chelle’s squad for Nigeria’s opening AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. The Super Eagles will face Madagascar in Uyo on Friday before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for their second qualifying fixture on September 29.
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