By Dorcas Francis Koji
Super Falcons midfielder Esther Okoronkwo has vowed not to be distracted after becoming the target of racist abuse on social media following her comments about the theft incident involving several Nigerian players at their hotel in Casablanca ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Okoronkwo had earlier disclosed that she and some of her teammates were victims of theft while staying at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca before the team’s departure to Rabat for the continental tournament.
Following her revelation, the Nigerian international’s Instagram page was inundated with racist comments, including monkey emojis and other offensive messages directed at the midfielder.
Responding to the abuse on Sunday, Okoronkwo issued a message of resilience, insisting that hatred would not derail the team’s mission at the tournament.
“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 on Instagram.
The midfielder had revealed that she, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Michelle Alozie, and captain Rasheedat Ajibade were among the players who had cash stolen from their hotel rooms during the team’s stay in Casablanca.
The incident has since taken a significant turn after reports indicated that a suspect had been arrested in connection with the theft and had reportedly confessed to the crime.
According to Nigerian journalist and former Super Eagles media officer Colin Udoh, the suspect is expected to make full restitution while legal proceedings continue.
Udoh also condemned the racist attacks against Okoronkwo and called on football’s governing bodies to take decisive action against those responsible.
“I hope FIFA, CAF, CAF Women’s Football, and CAF Media take note and take action. This is unacceptable,” Udoh wrote on social media.
Despite the unfortunate off-field incidents, the Super Falcons remain fully focused on their objective of reclaiming the continental crown and winning a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
Head coach Justine Madugu and his players will begin their Group C campaign against Malawi before facing Zambia and Egypt in what promises to be a fiercely contested battle for a place in the knockout stages.
With preparations complete, Nigeria will be hoping to put the distractions behind them and allow their performances on the pitch to speak louder than the controversy surrounding the team’s preparations.
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