NFF and AFC Toronto Support Okoronkwo Against Racism

Esther Okoronkwo, a forward for the Super Falcons, received support from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and her Canadian club, AFC Toronto, after being subjected to racist abuse on social media ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. The NFF condemned the attacks in a statement issued before Nigeria's opening Group C match against Malawi, asserting that the safety, dignity, and well-being of all Super Falcons members are paramount.

The abuse followed a prior incident at the team's hotel in Morocco, where racist comments were directed at Okoronkwo despite the resolution of a theft case involving her. The NFF highlighted that the individual responsible for the theft was apprehended, ordered to return the stolen cash, and sentenced to six months in prison.

Both the NFF and AFC Toronto reaffirmed their zero-tolerance stance against racism, emphasizing that football should be a safe environment for all players. AFC Toronto expressed pride in standing with Okoronkwo and quoted Martin Luther King Jr. on the need for love to combat hate.