Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is facing criticism after he missed the first training session for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Tuesday, September 22.
Meanwhile, clips from the same night that spread on social media showed him talking with American rapper Cardi B in Milan, Italy.
Coach Eric Chelle invited 24 players, and camp opened on Monday, September 21. 23 players trained at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo at 6 pm on Tuesday, and Maduka Okoye, 27, was the only one absent.
Team media officer Promise Efoghe told THISDAY that Okoye will join camp on Thursday, one day before the first match. “He asked for permission to attend to family and personal issues,” Efoghe said.
Udinese confirmed Okoye attended Milan Fashion Week, where he modeled the club’s third kit. Videos online showed him chatting with Cardi B in a club after the show.
Neither Okoye nor Cardi B has confirmed a relationship even after photographers have caught them together several times this summer in Paris and Italy.
Many Nigerian users on X criticized the timing. “Priorities locked in,” one user wrote. Another asked, “Isn’t he supposed to be at the Super Eagles camp?”
While a Super Eagles fan comment read: “This one mate dey camp for Uyo Dey train. He dey Italy with woman, I don’t even know why dey still let him play.”
Some Cardi B followers jumped in, stating: “They are just friends,” one wrote.
Nigeria hosts Madagascar on Friday, September 25 in Uyo, then visits Guinea-Bissau on September 29. Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau compete for one qualifying place from Group L because Tanzania has already qualified as the host.
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Several fans expect Okoye to miss the Madagascar match, with Stanley Nwabali likely to start in goal. Arthur Okonkwo would make his first competitive appearance for Nigeria if he plays. Maduka Okoye started against Poland and Portugal in June.
Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle did not issue any statement regarding Maduka following the online criticism.
