Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was spotted with American rapper Cardi B in Milan, Italy, shortly before joining Nigeria’s camp ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The footage, which circulated on social media during Milan Fashion Week, showed the Udinese goalkeeper in conversation with Cardi B. The sighting attracted reactions from Nigerian football fans and journalists because Okoye had yet to report to the Super Eagles camp at the time.
Key Highlights
- Maduka Okoye was spotted with Cardi B in Milan during Milan Fashion Week.
- The goalkeeper was initially the only one of Nigeria’s 24 invited players yet to report to camp.
- Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe said Okoye had permission to attend to family and personal matters.
- Okoye subsequently arrived in Nigeria and reported to the Super Eagles camp in Uyo on September 24.
- Nigeria will face Madagascar in its opening 2027 AFCON qualifying fixture on September 25.
- The Super Eagles will play Guinea-Bissau in their second Group L qualifier on September 29.
Okoye Spotted With Cardi B In Milan
The video of Maduka Okoye and Cardi B emerged online on Wednesday as the Super Eagles continued preparations for their opening AFCON qualifying fixture.
Okoye was in Milan for Milan Fashion Week and also represented Udinese at an event where he modelled the Italian club’s third kit. The footage showed him spending time with Cardi B.
The sighting generated criticism and speculation on social media because 23 of the 24 players invited by head coach Eric Chelle had already reported to camp and participated in the team’s opening training session in Uyo.
However, there was no official statement linking Okoye’s delay to his meeting with Cardi B.
Super Eagles Gave Okoye Permission To Delay Arrival
According to Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe, Okoye had requested and received permission to attend to family and personal matters before joining the squad.
Efoghe said the goalkeeper was expected to arrive in camp on Thursday, September 24, one day before Nigeria’s opening qualifier against Madagascar.
The clarification meant that Okoye’s delayed arrival was officially authorised by the national team, despite the social media attention generated by his appearance in Milan.
Read also:
- Maduka Okoye Misses Super Eagles Training Ahead of Madagascar AFCON Qualifier
- Super Eagles Set For Madagascar Clash As AFCON 2027 Campaign Begins
Okoye Reports To Super Eagles Camp
Okoye subsequently arrived in Nigeria and reported to the Super Eagles camp in Uyo on Thursday, September 24. His arrival completed the 24-man squad for the current international window, although he joined the team just one day before the Madagascar fixture.
The goalkeeper is competing with Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo for a place in Chelle’s starting lineup. Okoye had featured prominently for Nigeria during the June international window, including the friendly matches against Poland and Portugal, after Nwabali was sidelined.
Nigeria Begin AFCON Qualifying Campaign Against Madagascar
Nigeria will face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, in their opening Group L fixture of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
The Super Eagles will then face Guinea-Bissau on September 29 in their second qualifying match. With Okoye now back in camp, Chelle will have all three invited goalkeepers available as he makes his selection for the opening qualifier.
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