NFF condemns racist abuse of Esther Okoronkwo ahead of WAFCON 2026 vs Malawi
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has condemned the racist abuse directed at Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo on social media, calling the attacks unacceptable and insisting discrimination has no place in football or society. The statement came on the eve of Nigeria’s opening match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where the Super Falcons face Malawi in Group C. The NFF noted that the online abuse followed an incident at the team’s hotel in Morocco, in which a person stole cash, was apprehended, forced to return the stolen money in full, and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. Despite the off‑field distraction, the federation said the team remains united and focused on the WAFCON opener. AFC Toronto, Okoronkwo’s club, echoed the condemnation, pledging unwavering support and quoting Martin Luther King Jr.’s words that ‘hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.’ The twin statements highlight growing unity in the football community against racism as the Super Falcons pursue another continental title.