Maduka Okoye’s ex-lover ‘attacks Super Eagles goalkeeper amidst ‘romantic outing with Cardi B’

Fresh controversy has emerged around Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after his former partner, Jelicia Westhoff, publicly accused him of neglecting their son amid growing speculation linking the Nigerian international with American rap star Cardi B.

The allegations surfaced shortly after Okoye and the Grammy Award winning rapper were spotted together at high profile events in France and Italy, sparking widespread rumours that the pair may be romantically involved. While neither Okoye nor Cardi B has commented on the speculation, Westhoff’s social media posts have drawn significant public attention and reignited discussions about the footballer’s personal life. Blueprint reports

Dating rumours dominate headlines

Rumours surrounding Okoye and Cardi B intensified after they were seen together during Paris Fashion Week, where the Nigerian goalkeeper was captured on video assisting the rapper to her seat at one of the fashion events.

The speculation gained further momentum when the pair were later photographed dining with friends at Gio’s Restaurant inside the St. Regis Hotel in Venice, Italy. They were also reportedly seen watching a fireworks display alongside the same group, prompting widespread discussion across social media platforms.

Although no public display of affection was observed during either outing, their repeated appearances together have continued to fuel speculation that they may be in a relationship.

Ex partner breaks silence

Amid the growing attention surrounding Okoye’s personal life, his former partner, Dutch model Jelicia Westhoff, took to social media to air allegations against the footballer.

Westhoff, who shares a son, Emiliano Isaiah, with the Super Eagles goalkeeper, reposted videos carrying messages that appeared to criticise absentee fathers.

Among the captions she shared were statements urging women not to force fathers to be involved in their children’s lives and another describing an unnamed individual as a “deadbeat.”

Although she did not initially mention Okoye by name in those reposts, the timing of the posts, coming shortly after reports linking him with Cardi B, led many social media users to believe they were directed at the footballer.

Claims of neglect

In a post that was later deleted but widely circulated through screenshots online, Westhoff made more direct allegations against Okoye.

She claimed she had remained silent about issues in their relationship in the past in order to protect his football career, but accused him of failing to reciprocate that support.

Westhoff also alleged that the goalkeeper had neglected his responsibilities towards their only son, saying she felt betrayed after standing by him during difficult periods in his career.

The Dutch model further accused him of portraying her publicly as a bitter former partner despite what she described as her efforts to support him when he lacked wider public backing.

Previous allegations resurface

The latest accusations are not the first time Westhoff has publicly criticised the Nigerian goalkeeper.

In December 2024, she also accused Okoye of neglecting their son and treating her disrespectfully during and after their relationship.

Those allegations generated considerable discussion at the time but were never publicly addressed by the footballer.

The resurfacing of the earlier claims has added another dimension to the renewed scrutiny surrounding Okoye following his recent outings with Cardi B.

Silence from Okoye and Cardi B

As of the time of filing this report, neither Maduka Okoye nor Cardi B had responded publicly to either the dating rumours or Westhoff’s allegations.

Similarly, the Super Eagles goalkeeper has not issued any statement addressing the claims regarding his role as a father.

Without a response from those involved, the allegations remain unverified and represent the claims made by Westhoff on her social media platforms.

Public reactions

The controversy has generated mixed reactions online, with many users expressing sympathy for Westhoff and calling on Okoye to respond to the allegations.

Others, however, urged caution, noting that disputes involving former partners often present only one side of a personal matter and should not be treated as established fact without evidence or a response from the accused.

Several football fans also appealed for privacy, arguing that Okoye’s personal life should be separated from his professional career unless the allegations are substantiated.

Spotlight on the Super Eagles goalkeeper

Okoye, 26, remains one of Nigeria’s prominent footballers and has continued to feature for the Super Eagles while pursuing his club career in Europe.

Known for his performances between the posts, he has represented Nigeria at major international competitions and remains one of the country’s recognised goalkeepers.

However, the latest allegations and the continued speculation surrounding his relationship with Cardi B have shifted attention away from football and onto his private life.

For now, the dating rumours involving Cardi B remain unconfirmed, while Westhoff’s allegations have yet to receive any public response from the Nigerian international, leaving the controversy unresolved.