Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems has addressed speculation linking her with Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after she was asked about the football star during a red carpet interview at the 2026 BET Awards in Los Angeles.
The singer was asked whether she would consider making the first move if given the chance, but she quickly dismissed any romantic suggestion, explaining that she sees fellow Nigerian celebrities more as family than potential love interests.
She said:
“I know who Maduka Okoye is, but I don’t know him personally. I wish I did, though. But shooting shots at him, we don’t do that over here. We friend each other, and we are family.”
Tems‘ response has since generated reactions online, with many fans praising her candid and light-hearted answer while putting an end to any dating rumours involving the goalkeeper.
The question comes amid Okoye’s growing popularity beyond the football pitch. In recent months, the Super Eagles shot-stopper has become a social media sensation, attracting widespread admiration for his appearance and confident personality.
His online buzz intensified after a video of his pre-match walk during a Super Eagles international friendly went viral, earning millions of views across social media platforms. Since then, his photos, interviews, and match-day appearances have continued to spark conversations among fans worldwide.
The increased attention has even seen several fans and entertainment platforms describe Okoye as “the sexiest footballer in the world,” further cementing his status as one of Nigeria’s most talked-about sports personalities away from football.