AFCON 2025
Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo has been subjected to a wave of racist abuse on social media after speaking out about an alleged theft involving members of Nigeria’s women’s national team during the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The Nigerian international reportedly alleged that cash was stolen from players’ wallets while the team was lodged at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca ahead of the tournament final.
Following the reports, Okoronkwo’s Instagram page was flooded with hostile comments from accounts believed to be Moroccan, with several posts containing racially offensive language and imagery directed at the striker and other Black people.
Some users criticised the player for publicly raising concerns about the alleged theft, while others posted comments comparing Black Africans to monkeys and gorillas, a racist trope widely condemned for its dehumanising nature.
One Instagram user, identified as @mmeedd23, accused Okoronkwo of disrespecting Morocco while claiming that Nigeria lagged behind the North African nation in development and infrastructure. Another account, @el_youssefy_yousef041, told the player to leave Morocco, describing her as “savage” and “disrespectful.”
Other comments targeted Nigeria and Nigerians, with users posting disparaging remarks about living conditions in the country. Two accounts, identified as Hannounimad and m.e.r.y.e.m_belcaid, allegedly shared images of primates in apparent mockery of the Super Falcons star.
The online attacks followed allegations that several Nigerian players lost cash from their hotel rooms while away on team activities.
According to the claims, Okoronkwo reportedly lost $700, while team captain Rasheedat Ajibade lost $200. Defender Osinachi Ohale and midfielder Halimatu Ayinde were said to have lost $100 each, while Joy Omewa reportedly lost $120, bringing the total amount allegedly stolen to $1,220.
The incident has raised concerns about the security of the team’s accommodation during the continental championship.
As of the time of reporting, neither the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) nor the management of the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca had publicly responded to the allegations. No official investigation had been announced.
Moroccan authorities and Meta, the parent company of Instagram, had also not issued statements regarding the racist comments directed at the Nigerian forward.
The Super Falcons remain in Morocco as they continue their quest to extend their record as the most successful women’s national team in African football.
