The NFF has strongly condemned the racist abuse directed at Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo on social media ahead of Nigeria’s opening match of WAFCON 2026 against Malawi, www.aclsports.com reports.
In a statement released on Monday, the federation described the abuse as “unacceptable”, insisting that discrimination has no place in football or society. The NFF reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the safety, dignity and well-being of its players as the defending champions begin their quest for a record-extending 11th continental title.
Okoronkwo became the target of racist comments after revealing that she and several teammates had money stolen from their rooms while lodged at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, Morocco, before the team relocated to Rabat for the tournament. Her Instagram account was subsequently flooded with abusive messages and racist emojis.
The federation also noted that the individual responsible for the theft had been apprehended, made to return the stolen money in full and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, stressing that the racist attacks on the Nigerian international were unjustifiable.
“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,” part of the statement read.
Despite the off-field incident, the NFF said the Super Falcons remain united and fully focused on their WAFCON campaign, with attention now turning to Tuesday’s Group C opener against tournament debutants Malawi.
Okoronkwo also responded to the racist abuse with a message of resilience on social media.
“Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that. We move forward with pride, unity and determination. See you on the pitch,” she wrote.
The WAFCON 2024 final MVP and her Nigerian teammates will begin their title defence against Malawi at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday, 28 July, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00 local time.
