The Nigeria Football Federation and Canadian club AFC Toronto have shown displeasure over the racist abuse directed at Super Falcons midfielder Esther Okoronkwo on social media following the theft of her money at the team’s hotel in Morocco.
The incident occurred during the Super Falcons’ stay in Morocco for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where a hotel worker stole cash belonging to the player.
Moroccan authorities later arrested the suspect, recovered the stolen money, ordered its return to the player and sentenced the offender to six months’ imprisonment.
Despite the swift action by Moroccan authorities, Okoronkwo was subjected to racist comments and monkey emojis on social media, causing the Super Falcons forward to respond publicly and drawing strong condemnation from both the Nigeria Football Federation and her club, AFC Toronto.
In separate statements released on Monday on their X handles, both organisations described the attacks as unacceptable and reaffirmed their support for the Nigeria international.
The NFF said racism and discrimination had no place in football or society.
“The Nigeria Football Federation 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.
“Discrimination in any form has no place in football or society,” the federation said.
The NFF noted that the online abuse was unjustified, stressing that the individual responsible for the theft involving the player had already been arrested, ordered to return the stolen cash and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.
“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 statement read.
The federation also assured that the welfare of the Super Falcons remained a top priority, adding that the incident would not distract the team from its campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
It added, “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.”
AFC Toronto, Okoronkwo’s club, also threw its weight behind the striker, declaring that there was no place for racism in football.
“There is no place for racism in our game. Today and every day we stand for respect and inclusion,” the club said.
The Canadian club disclosed that Okoronkwo had been subjected to racist abuse while representing Nigeria at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
“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 a safe and welcoming environment for everyone and pledged its support for the player.
“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.”
Quoting the Super Falcons forward, the club said, “Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.”
The club reaffirmed its commitment to fighting racism and promoting inclusion.
“We stand with our players. We stand with everyone working to make football more welcoming, inclusive and respectful,” it added.
