Nigeria Football Federation and AFC Toronto Respond to Racist Abuse Against Esther Okoronkwo
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Canadian club AFC Toronto have jointly condemned the racist abuse directed at Super Falcons midfielder Esther Okoronkwo on social media. This backlash followed an unfortunate incident where cash belonging to the players was stolen from the team’s hotel in Morocco during the 2026 Women’s African Cup of Nations.
Reports indicate that the theft occurred while the Super Falcons were participating in the tournament. Following the incident, Moroccan authorities acted swiftly, apprehending the suspect, retrieving the stolen funds, and sentencing the individual to six months in prison.
Despite these rapid developments, Okoronkwo faced a wave of racist comments, including derogatory emojis, online. This prompted the talented forward to speak out, eliciting strong reactions from both the NFF and AFC Toronto.
In statements released on X on Monday, both organizations emphasized their condemnation of the abuse and voiced their unwavering support for the player. The NFF expressed that such racism and discrimination have no place in either football or society at large.
The federation articulated its position clearly, stating, “The Nigeria Football Federation strongly condemns the unacceptable racist abuse directed at Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo on social media following the recent incident at the team’s hotel in Morocco.” They further underlined that the online vitriol directed at Okoronkwo was entirely unwarranted.
The NFF reassured fans that the welfare of the Super Falcons remains a top priority and noted that the incident would not detract from the team’s focus on their upcoming match against Malawi in the tournament. “The safety, dignity, and health of our players remain our top priority,” the federation declared.
AFC Toronto also came to Okoronkwo’s defense, emphasizing that racism has no place in football. The club remarked, “Today and every day, we stand for respect and inclusion.” They echoed the sentiments of support for Okoronkwo, affirming that soccer should be a safe and welcoming environment for all athletes.
In a message highlighting the need for unity against hate, the club shared a quote attributed to Okoronkwo: “Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.” AFC Toronto reiterated its commitment to combatting racism and fostering inclusivity within the sport, stating, “We support our players and everyone who strives to make football more welcoming, inclusive, and respectful.”
