Maduka Okoye, the talented Nigerian goalkeeper, has recently signed a contract extension with Udinese Calcio, committing to the Italian Serie A club until 2028. After a challenging spell in England and a difficult recovery from a shoulder injury, Okoye has regained his form and earned a recall to the Nigerian national team, his first since October 2023. Through all of these ups and downs, Okoye has had the steadfast support of his longtime partner, Jelicia Westhoff, who has been by his side throughout his career.
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A Low-Profile Couple
Though Okoye has kept a low profile on social media and is careful to protect his personal life from public scrutiny, it is known that he and Westhoff have been together for over five years. The couple met when Okoye was playing for the second team of German club Fortuna Düsseldorf.
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While they are yet to marry, the couple welcomed their first child, Isaiah Emil Okoye, about a year ago. According to Jelicia, the name Isaiah was inspired by one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, reflecting her deep religious beliefs.
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She even shared a passage from Isaiah 41:10 on Instagram:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Their son’s middle name, Emil, was chosen in honor of his father, whose full name is Maduka Emilio Okoye.
Who is Jelicia Westhoff?
Born on April 27, 1994, in the Netherlands, Jelicia Westhoff is not only a model but also a successful entrepreneur. Five years older than Okoye, she boasts a multicultural background—her father has Indonesian and Dutch roots, while her mother has Surinamese and Aruban ancestry. She grew up in a large, close-knit family with three sisters and a brother, all of whom are involved in the fashion and beauty industries.
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Jelicia gained early recognition in 2015 when she won the Miss Haarlem beauty pageant. Since then, she has leveraged her experience and connections in the fashion world to create her own luxury fashion line, the Westhoff Collection, alongside her sisters. This brand specializes in high-end women’s clothing and has expanded to include children’s wear under the WestKid label, as well as a cosmetics line. The family also runs Westhoff Studios, where they not only sell their own products but also offer courses for aspiring makeup artists. Additionally, Jelicia’s younger sister Jada owns a beauty clinic that specializes in various cosmetic procedures.
A Style Icon with a Growing Following
On Instagram, Jelicia has cultivated a growing fan base of over 13,400 followers, where she regularly shares her stylish looks and moments from her everyday life. Her impeccable sense of fashion, which blends elegance with bold, vibrant styles, has earned her a spot among the top 10 most beautiful WAGs (wives and girlfriends) of Nigerian footballers in 2023. Like many WAGs in the Nigerian football scene, Jelicia is a fan of Afrobeat music, with Burna Boy and Phyno being two of her favorite artists.
A Private Yet Supportive Partner
Although Jelicia prefers to keep her relationship with Maduka Okoye private—so much so that they do not follow each other on Instagram—there is no doubt about her unwavering support for the Nigerian star. She has stood by him during some of the most difficult moments in his career.
After his controversial performance at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, Jelicia defended him publicly, writing on social media:
“I’m proud of your efforts, your focus, your drive, and how you never give up. You helped the team and made a big mark while there. You deserve to be celebrated for making it this far.”
She also supported him during his injury recovery when he lost his starting position at Watford F.C.
While Jelicia may not seek the spotlight, her quiet strength, entrepreneurial success, and impeccable style make her one of the most intriguing WAGs on the football scene today.
