Maduka Okoye’s reported salary draws attention as Cardi B dating rumours trend online

Maduka Okoye’s reported salary draws attention as Cardi B dating rumours trend online

  • Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is trending online after his alleged salary surfaced alongside rumours linking him to Cardi B
  • A popular podcaster has weighed in on the speculation, offering his take on the alleged relationship
  • The claims have sparked widespread reactions, with fans eager to know what’s happening between the two stars

Nigerian Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has found himself at the centre of online buzz after reports of his alleged salary surfaced alongside rumours linking him romantically with Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B.

Cardi B, born Belcalis Almánzar, is a globally recognised American rapper and songwriter, while Okoye is Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper who plays club football in Europe.

Maduka Okoye’s alleged pay package exposed amid ongoing Cardi B romance speculation
Maduka Okoye’s alleged income becomes talking point amid Cardi B rumours. Credit: @madukaokoye, @iamcardib
Source: Instagram

Prominent Jamaican-American podcaster DJ Akademiks weighed in on the speculation during a livestream, insisting he does not believe the two are romantically involved.

According to him, Cardi B has grown accustomed to dating men with significant wealth, and Okoye’s reported annual earnings of around $900,000 would not meet her standards.

Read also

Video of Cardi B and Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye together sparks speculation: "What's going on here?"

“Offset done tricked on her and spoiled her too much. Even Stefon Diggs stepped it up. You can’t come after that making a million a year,” Akademiks said.

He further suggested that the pair were likely just having a friendly conversation, dismissing the idea of a relationship.

“I don’t think they’re dating. It’s just talk,” he added.

The rumours have continued to trend online, drawing attention not only to Okoye’s career and finances but also to Cardi B’s high-profile lifestyle.

Watch DJ Akademiks address Maduka Okoye and Cardi B's dating rumours below:

Legit.ng earlier reported that Maduka Okoye has continued to capture global attention after appearing at the Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2026 Haute Couture Show during Paris Fashion Week.

Aside from being spotted with American rapper Cardi B, Okoye also sparked widespread reactions with his response when asked to share one Igbo word.

Read also

Maduka Okoye: Controversies trail Super Eagles' goalie's Igbo word translation at Paris Fashion Week

In a lighthearted interview segment for Dazed magazine, the British-Nigerian goalkeeper was asked for an Igbo word that everyone should know.

He responded with "Oya," claiming it means "come here."

The remark quickly drew widespread corrections from Nigerians, including celebrities from the entertainment industry, as many pointed out that "Oya" is a well-known Yoruba expression for "hurry up," "let's go," or "it's time."

In Igbo, "come here" is typically "Bia."

Legit.ng also reported that Maduka Okoye and Cardi B arrived at the event in Paris on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, with Okoye escorting Cardi B to her seat before the two sat side by side to watch the runway presentation.

They were also seen together at the Messika showcase, drawing significant attention from photographers and fashion enthusiasts.

Super Eagles' goalkeeper Maduka Okoye's interpretation of Igbo word sparks reactions.
Super Eagles' goalkeeper Maduka Okoye faces criticism over Igbo word at Paris Fashion Week. Credit: madukaokoye
Source: Getty Images

Netizens react to Maduka Okoye’s alleged earnings

Legit.ng compiled the reactions below:

ms_omot said:

"Did Maduka tell you he wants to date her?"

_sucremamito said:

"He say na Just? Do you make that much??? 😂😂😂"

omazaura_glam__house said:

Read also

Wizkid’s last son gives mum unexpected warning, video sparks massive reactions online

"Oya Cardi spokesman we don hear you 😂😂😂😂."

bee__xx said:

"Two adult can’t talk???? Everything must not be dating."

celebrity_dr_dee said:

"Cardi B no need that money ooo just cute baby Dey okay for her😂😂."

What Maduka Okoye said about Super Eagles

Legit.ng reported that Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye broke his silence on Nigeria's hopes of returning to the FIFA World Cup.

He insisted that the team is determined to end its painful run of qualification disappointments by securing a place at the 2030 tournament.

The Udinese shot-stopper made the remarks during an interview with SuperSport presenter Nqobile Khwezi at the British Grand Prix.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Chinasa Afigbo avatar

Chinasa Afigbo (Entertainment Editor) Chinasa Afigbo is a pop culture/music journalist and content writer with over four years of experience in other mainstream media organisations, including Vanguard Media and Guardian Life. She holds a degree in Information Management Technology from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). She also moved on to pursue a program in media and communications. Chinasa has also been published in other Intl journals, like The African Report. Reach her at: chinasa.afigbo@corp.legit.ng.