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‘Ronaldo and Messi inspired me’ – How Esther Okoronkwo turned football’s greatest role models into Super Falcons success
Nigeria forward Esther Okoronkwo has revealed how drawing inspiration from football icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi helped shape her development into one of Africa’s most creative attacking players.
The AFC Toronto striker, who played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s successful TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024 campaign, says the influence of the two global superstars, combined with lessons learned from her Super Falcons teammates, has elevated her game despite years of battling career-disrupting injuries.
Speaking in an interview with CAF Online, Okoronkwo credited Ronaldo and Messi for influencing the way she approaches the game, particularly her creativity and decision-making in the final third.
“I do not want to sound cocky, but it comes naturally to me. I have always had it, and I am happy that I can demonstrate it at the highest level,” she said.
“Ronaldo and Messi have influenced me, as have my teammates in the national team. I always learn from the great players around me. I do not want people to say Esther now claims she is better than Messi.”
The 28-year-old admitted that her impressive displays at WAFCON were motivated by a desire to prove herself after years of frustration on the treatment table.
“I have a lot to prove. I want to show people what I can do despite the injuries. I have spent much of my career injured and have not always been able to show my full ability. I am happy that I showed some of it in the last tournament.”
Her six assists not only made her the tournament’s best creator but also underlined her importance to a Super Falcons side that claimed a record-extending tenth African title.
Despite the individual recognition, Okoronkwo insists the achievement was only possible because of the quality of the players around her.
“I was very happy. With the national team, nothing is impossible. I play alongside many great players who make my job easier. They know I will find them, and they position themselves well, which also makes things easier for me.”
Asked to choose her favourite assist from the tournament, the answer came without hesitation.
“It has to be the assist for the winning goal in the final, the one with Joe Echegini. We were 2-0 down and came back. We had a final free-kick opportunity, and we were able to complete the comeback and win. I think it was the most important goal we scored in the entire tournament.”
Although celebrated for her creative brilliance, Okoronkwo says she values winning above personal statistics.
“I enjoy both. It does not matter whether I score, assist, make a pre-assist, or help in another way, as long as the team wins. My main aim is for the team to win. When the team wins, I am happy.”
The forward also highlighted the importance of chemistry within the Super Falcons squad, stressing that regular FIFA international windows are crucial for building understanding among teammates.
“It is very important. Team camps allow the players to come together, play together, and build chemistry. Even within the short periods we have, we learn, adjust, and understand what each person wants.
“It would be better if we could fully use every FIFA camp window without anything preventing players from attending. That is how a team builds chemistry.”
From overcoming serious injury setbacks to becoming Nigeria’s chief creator on the biggest stage in African women’s football, Okoronkwo’s rise has been driven by resilience, belief and a willingness to learn from the very best.
Inspired by Ronaldo and Messi, she is now carving out a legacy of her own in the green and white of the Super Falcons.
