NFF denounces racist online abuse of Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo ahead of WAFCON opener

The Nigeria Football Federation has issued a strong condemnation of racist abuse aimed at Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo on social media in the build-up to the team’s opening match at WAFCON 2026.

Okoronkwo became the target of racist messages and offensive emojis online following a theft incident at the Super Falcons’ team hotel in Casablanca, where they are based ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title defence.

The NFF said the attacks began after reports emerged of money being stolen at the team’s Marriot Hotel in Casablanca, and stressed that the player was being wrongly targeted despite the matter having already been resolved.

According to Nigeria’s football governing body, the person accused of stealing cash at the hotel was arrested, the full amount of the stolen money was recovered, and the individual was subsequently handed a six‐month prison sentence.

In a statement, the federation said: “The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) strongly condemns the unacceptable racist abuse directed at Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo on social media following recent incidents at the team’s hotel in Morocco.

“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 described the abuse from some social media users in Morocco as unjustified and emphasised that it viewed the incident with “serious concern”, highlighting the need to protect its players from discriminatory behaviour.

Federation stresses player welfare and focus

The governing body reiterated that safeguarding the Super Falcons squad – both on and off the pitch – remains central to its work, and underlined that the team would not allow the racist abuse to derail their preparations.

“The safety, dignity, and well-being of our players remain our utmost priority. The entire team stands united, unbothered by distractions, and fully focused on tomorrow’s #WAFCON2026 opener against Malawi,” the statement continued.

The federation added that it would continue to support Okoronkwo and her team-mates as they prepare to begin their campaign, insisting that external controversies would not affect the squad’s mentality or objectives.

Super Falcons set to open WAFCON title defence

Nigeria, the reigning champions, start their defence of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title against tournament debutants Malawi on Tuesday.

The Group-stage fixture will be played at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00 local time.

The match marks the beginning of Nigeria’s quest to retain their WAFCON crown, and comes amid heightened attention on the squad following the racist abuse directed at Okoronkwo.

The Super Falcons are in Morocco for the expanded WAFCON 2026 finals, and the NFF has made clear that it wants the focus to remain firmly on football as Nigeria chase another continental triumph.