Maduka Okoye Reports to Nigeria Camp Following Milan Appearance With Cardi B

Maduka Okoye, the Udinese goalkeeper, has reported to Nigeria's Super Eagles training base in Ikot Ekpene as the team prepares for its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. He got to Uyo on Friday morning. With the 27-year-old now in camp, head coach Eric Chelle has the complete group of 24 invited players available for the qualifiers. Okoye's delayed arrival drew sharp criticism from supporters and media figures after video circulated online this week showing him having drinks with American rapper Cardi B in Milan. Okoye had traveled to Italy for Udinese's third-kit launch during Milan Fashion Week. He was seen with the Grammy-winning artist there, adding to continuing speculation about a relationship between them after they had also appeared together in Paris and Venice. On Thursday, Chelle said the goalkeeper had received formal permission to stay with his club for planned obligations. "His club asked me to allow him to take care of some club-related activities, and I agreed. Now, I have to manage the situation," Chelle told reporters. Even though Okoye has joined the squad, he is anticipated to miss Friday's first qualifier against Madagascar at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.