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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Canadian club AFC Toronto have strongly condemned racist abuse directed at Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo, voicing support for the Nigerian international after she was targeted on social media following an incident at the team’s hotel during the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The statements come after a hotel worker was reportedly arrested over the theft of cash belonging to Okoronkwo.
According to the NFF, the suspect returned the stolen money in full and was later sentenced to six months in prison.
Despite the resolution of the case, the Super Falcons forward became the target of racist comments and emojis online.
In a statement, the NFF described the abuse as unacceptable and insisted that discrimination has no place in football or society.
“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 federation said.
The federation said the racist attacks were particularly disturbing given that authorities had already dealt with the theft case.
“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 reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its players and said the squad remained focused on its campaign in Morocco.
“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.”
Okoronkwo also received backing from AFC Toronto, the Canadian club she plays for, which said it stood firmly with the striker and all athletes subjected to racism.
“There is no place for racism – in football, in sport, or in our communities,” the club wrote in a statement.
“Over the past few days, Esther Okoronkwo has been subjected to racist abuse while representing Nigeria at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.”
AFC Toronto said football should be an environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
“At AFC Toronto, we believe football should be a place where everyone feels safe, respected and valued. We are proud to stand with Esther and all athletes who face racism and discrimination, both on and off the pitch.”
The club also emphasised a message Okoronkwo shared in response to the abuse.
As Esther shared: “Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.”
AFC Toronto said the quote reflected the values it hoped to promote within the game.
“Those words are a reminder of the kind of game—and the kind of community—we’re all working to build,” the club added.
“We stand with our players. We stand with everyone working to make football more welcoming, inclusive and respectful.”
The incident has once again drawn attention to the persistent problem of racism in football, particularly on social media, where players across the men’s and women’s game have increasingly been subjected to discriminatory abuse.
Football governing bodies, including FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), have repeatedly pledged zero tolerance for racism and have encouraged member associations and clubs to report and sanction discriminatory behaviour.
— The NFF 🇳🇬 (@thenff) July 27, 2026
