Cardi B‘s rumoured connection with Nigerian international goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has taken an unexpected turn after the footballer’s ex-girlfriend launched a blistering public attack, accusing him of neglecting their young son.
The rapper and the 26-year-old Udinese keeper were recently spotted having dinner together at Gio’s restaurant inside the St. Regis hotel in Italy. Footage published by TMZ showed the pair seated next to one another as they chatted throughout the meal with a group of friends. There was no public display of affection, but the appearance has only fuelled speculation that the two are growing close.
Shortly after the dinner made headlines, Okoye’s former partner, model Jelicia Westhoff, shared a series of now-deleted social media posts accusing the footballer of failing to support their three-year-old son, Isaiah Emil Jr. Okoye.
Westhoff alleged that Okoye rarely contacts or visits the child and claimed he failed to visit when their son was hospitalised several times last December. She also accused him of punishing their child because of the breakdown of their relationship.
In one of the posts, Westhoff wrote that she had stayed silent about their past to protect Okoye’s career, only to feel embarrassed seeing him publicly enjoying life while, she claimed, ignoring his responsibilities as a father.
She also levelled allegations of infidelity and physical abuse against the goalkeeper. Those claims have not been substantiated, and Okoye has not publicly responded to the accusations.
Speaking to Page Six, Westhoff insisted she has “nothing against” Cardi B, saying her frustration was directed solely at Okoye.
“It’s about you going out with any woman in public knowing that you don’t take care of your child,” she said.
Cardi and Okoye first sparked dating rumours earlier this month after they were seen sitting together at the Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture show during Paris Fashion Week. Videos from the event showed the goalkeeper taking the rapper’s hand to help her to her seat before the pair were later spotted talking over dinner at a Paris restaurant.
The sightings come after Cardi’s recent split from NFL star Stefon Diggs. The Grammy-winning rapper has also remained in the spotlight following her ongoing separation from Offset, with whom she shares three children.
Neither Cardi B nor Maduka Okoye has commented publicly on the latest speculation surrounding their relationship.
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Last modified: July 22, 2026
