American rapper Cardi B has further fuelled speculation about a possible romantic relationship with Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after describing him as “really sweet” and “very kind” following their third reported public outing together.
The latest development comes after the pair were spotted together in Italy on Thursday, September 3, just hours after Okoye’s club, Udinese, secured a 2-1 comeback victory over Venezia in the Coppa Italia round of 32.
Cardi B had earlier spoken warmly about the Nigerian goalkeeper while dining with friends at a waterfront restaurant in Venice.
“He was really sweet. When you see him on social media, he looks very strict and stern, but he is very kind. I hope to see more of him,” she said.
The comment has attracted renewed attention from fans who have been following the pair’s interactions since they were first linked in July.
Their first public appearance together was at the Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2026 Haute Couture show during Paris Fashion Week, where Cardi B and Okoye were seated next to each other.
They were later spotted chatting on a balcony at a private event, triggering the first wave of speculation about the nature of their relationship.
Third sighting keeps speculation alive
Following their appearances in Paris, Cardi B and Okoye were seen together again during a dinner in Venice, Italy, where the rapper was pictured with a group of friends.
Their latest appearance in Italy has now become the third reported sighting of the pair across France and Italy since speculation about their relationship emerged.
The repeated appearances have continued to generate discussions online, with fans attempting to determine whether the two are romantically involved.
However, neither Cardi B nor Okoye has publicly confirmed that they are dating.
The fact that other people were present during the reported outings has also made it difficult to establish whether their relationship is romantic or simply based on friendship.
Cardi B praises Nigerian goalkeeper
Despite the uncertainty surrounding their relationship, Cardi B’s remarks about Okoye have further intensified public interest in the pair.
The American rapper contrasted his social media image with her personal impression of him, noting that while he appears “very strict and stern” online, she considers him kind.
Her statement that she hoped to see more of him has also encouraged further speculation among fans about the possibility of a closer relationship between the two.
Okoye’s growing profile off the pitch
Okoye, who represents Udinese and the Nigerian national team, has continued to attract attention beyond his football career.
Born in Düsseldorf, Germany, to a Nigerian father and German mother, the goalkeeper has established himself as one of the Nigerian players featuring in European football.
His profile has also extended into fashion and entertainment, with appearances at high-profile events, including Paris Fashion Week and the Formula One British Grand Prix.
His reported association with Cardi B has now added another dimension to his growing public profile, particularly among the American rapper’s fans and followers of Nigerian football.
For now, both Cardi B and Okoye have remained silent on the dating speculation and have not publicly defined the nature of their relationship.
As their reported appearances together continue to attract attention, fans will be watching closely for any further development that could shed light on whether the pair are romantically involved or simply enjoying each other’s company.