NFF, AFC Toronto Back Okoronkwo After Racist Abuse

The Nigeria Football Federation and AFC Toronto have condemned racist abuse directed at Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo after reports that money was stolen from her at Nigeria’s team hotel in Morocco.

The player was targeted online after Moroccan authorities arrested the hotel worker involved in the theft, recovered the money, ordered its return and sentenced the offender to six months in prison.

The NFF said the abuse made no sense because the person responsible for the theft had already been punished. It added that discrimination had no place in football or society and that the safety and dignity of the Super Falcons remained a priority.

AFC Toronto also said it was standing with Okoronkwo, describing the racist attacks as unacceptable. The Canadian club said everyone in football should be judged by character and talent, not race.

Premium Times reported that the statements came before Nigeria’s opening Group C match against Malawi at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Punch also reported that Okoronkwo responded publicly after the online attacks and that both the NFF and AFC Toronto released separate statements on Monday.

Sources: Punch, Premium Times