Before the Super Falcons' WAFCON opener, the NFF denounces Okoronkwo's racist abuse.

 

Following an incident involving the Super Falcons' hotel in Morocco, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) denounced the racial taunts directed at forward Esther Okoronkwo.

The federation said that team funds had been taken from the Super Falcons' Marriott Hotel in Casablanca. After being detained by the authorities, the suspect gave the money back in full and was sentenced to six months in prison.

The NFF responded strongly after Okoronkwo was the target of racial remarks and insulting emojis on social media by some individuals, notwithstanding the quick action taken by Moroccan authorities.

"The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) strongly condemns the abhorrent racist insults sent at Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo on social media following recent occurrences at the team's hotel in Morocco," the NFF said in a statement.

"The racial taunts and emojis aimed at our athlete are completely nonsensical, especially considering that the thief was caught, forced to return the stolen money in full, and given a six-month prison sentence."

The federation emphasized that no player should be subjected to online abuse because of the conduct of a single person.

Additionally, it reiterated its dedication to ensuring the welfare of national team players during the competition.

"The safety, dignity, and well-being of our players remain our foremost priority," the NFF continued. The entire team is focused on tomorrow's #WAFCON2026 opener against Malawi, united and unaffected by outside influences.

The announcement is made as the Super Falcons are ready to start defending their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) championship. Nigeria, who are aiming for a record-extending 11th continental title, will play Malawi in their first Group C match.

Kickoff for the game is set for 9 p.m. Nigerian time on Tuesday at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat.