Super Falcons player Esther Okoronkwo
Racism has once again cast a shadow over football, with Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo becoming the latest player to suffer online abuse just days before Nigeria begin their campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday strongly condemned the racist insults and offensive emojis directed at the Nigerian international following recent incidents at the team’s hotel in Morocco, insisting there is no place for discrimination in football or society.
The federation said the abuse followed the hotel incident even though the individual responsible for the theft had already been apprehended, ordered to return the stolen cash in full and sentenced to six months in prison.
“Discrimination in any form has no place in football or society,” the NFF said in a statement.
The federation reaffirmed its commitment to the safety, dignity and well-being of all Super Falcons players, describing the online attacks on Okoronkwo as unacceptable.
It also dismissed suggestions that the incident could affect the team’s preparations, stressing that the squad remains united and focused ahead of Tuesday’s WAFCON opener against Malawi.
The NFF urged football fans to reject racism in all its forms and rally behind the Super Falcons as they begin another quest for continental success.
The federation added that the players remain undistracted by the controversy and are fully focused on reclaiming the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
