NFF and AFC Toronto Condemn Online Racist Abuse Directed at Super Falcons Forward Esther Okonkwo 

The Nigeria Football Federation and Canadian club AFC Toronto have strongly condemned online racist attacks targeted at Super Falcons midfielder Esther Okoronkwo during her national team duty in Morocco for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The racist comments and discriminatory emojis posted on social media followed a hotel theft incident where money belonging to Okoronkwo was stolen by a hotel worker. Moroccan authorities subsequently arrested the perpetrator, recovered the full amount, and handed down a six-month prison sentence.

Despite the resolution of the incident by local law enforcement, the player faced sustained online abuse, prompting joint condemnation from her national football body and her professional club.

In an official statement, the NFF described the online attacks as unacceptable and baseless, reaffirming that the safety and well-being of players remain a top priority. The federation added that the squad remains focused on its campaign at WAFCON 2026.

AFC Toronto also issued a statement offering full support to Okoronkwo, emphasizing that discrimination has no place in football and calling for a safe, inclusive environment for all athletes.