WAFCON 2026: NFF condemns racist abuse targeting Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has strongly condemned the racist abuse directed at Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo following recent incidents involving the team’s hotel in Morocco.

In a statement released on Monday, July 27, the federation described the online attacks and discriminatory comments aimed at the Nigerian international as unacceptable, stressing that racism has no place in football or society.

The NFF revealed that the abuse followed an incident at the Super Falcons’ hotel, where an individual responsible for stealing cash from the player was arrested, forced to return the stolen money in full, and later sentenced to six months in prison.

The federation expressed disappointment that Esther Okoronkwo became the target of racist comments and emojis on social media despite the matter already being resolved through the appropriate channels.

“The racist abuse and emojis directed at our player make absolutely no sense, especially as the individual responsible for the theft was apprehended, made to return the stolen cash in full, and sentenced to six months in prison,” the NFF stated.

The football body reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the safety, dignity, and well-being of all Super Falcons players, insisting that the team remains united despite the controversy.

“The safety, dignity and well-being of our players remain our utmost priority,” the statement added.

The Super Falcons are currently in Morocco preparing for their opening match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where they will face Malawi.

The NFF assured supporters that the incident would not distract the team from their objective, with the players and technical team fully focused on their tournament campaign.

“The entire team stands united, unbothered by distractions, and fully focused on tomorrow’s WAFCON 2026 opener against Malawi,” the federation concluded.

Nigeria, record winners of the women’s continental competition, are aiming to reclaim the WAFCON title and continue their dominance on the African stage.