Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Opaniyi, popularly known as Tems, drew attention at the 2026 BET Awards after a light-hearted exchange about Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. The moment happened during a red-carpet interview at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 28, 2026, where she was asked if she would consider “shooting her shot” at the Udinese star goalkeeper.
Tems Responds to Playful Question
The interviewer referred to Maduka Okoye as the “trending goalie,” noting his recent rise in popularity on social media. Tems responded with a smile and sharply dismissed the idea while explaining that only friendship and respect exist between them. She said: “Do I know him personally? I think I do. I wish I did, though. I wish I did. Shoot? No, no, no. We don't shoot shots here. We're friends. We friend each other, and we're family. No shots. Just family, and sisters and brothers. There's no shots over here.”
Social Media Reactions
Her words quickly went viral, sparking reactions online. Many praised the singer for her poised response and the way she handled the playful question without fuelling speculation. One fan, @AllGldErrthang, wrote: “Tems spoke well. Queens don’t shoot their shot. If you want me, come get me.” Another user, @LadyDelilah__, commented: “Knowing that he has a whole girlfriend. Why would she think that’s okay to ask?” A netizen, @Babaaje231, reacted: “This has to be one of the lowest vibrational interactions I've seen in a media setting in a while.”
Someone else, @sonofarinze, said: “The interviewer was angling for a viral dating clip. Tems wasn't having it. 'We friend each other. We are family.' That's how you shut down an awkward question without breaking a smile.” A fan, @WallstreetJade, added: “Pride wan kill am.. such an obnoxious answer. how old is she again?” Another person, @AlexTunmise, commented: “Make Nigeria girls shot her shoot ke? Dey don do that here.” A social media user, @princecharmgrey, asked: “Is this interviewer not just incompetent because what unnecessary question is that?”
Tems Shares Marriage Thoughts
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Tems gave fans a rare glimpse into her mindset on love and marriage during a recent interview with media personality Angie Martinez. The award-winning singer explained that marriage should not depend on emotions alone but on continuous growth, compatibility, and finding a God-fearing partner. She noted that lasting commitments require resilience because a true union will bring out difficult moments that test both individuals.
