Super Falcons midfielder Esther Okoronkwo has responded defiantly after being subjected to racist abuse on social media following her criticism of the theft incident which affected several Nigerian players at the team’s hotel in Casablanca ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Okoronkwo, who had publicly revealed that cash was stolen from her and some teammates at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, took to Instagram on Sunday to condemn the abuse while insisting the team remained focused on 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,” Okoronkwo posted.

The midfielder had earlier disclosed that she, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Michelle Alozie and captain Rasheedat Ajibade were among the players who had money stolen from their hotel rooms before the Super Falcons departed Casablanca for Rabat.

Following her comments about the incident, Okoronkwo’s Instagram page was flooded with racist messages, with several users posting monkey emojis and other abusive comments.

The theft case has since taken a new turn after reports emerged that a suspect had been arrested and 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 called on football’s governing bodies to act over the racist abuse directed at the Nigerian international.

“I hope @FIFAcom, @CAF_Online, @CAFwomen and @CAF_Media take note and take action. This is unacceptable,” he wrote on social media.

Despite the off-field distractions, the Super Falcons remain focused on their quest for a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.

Justine Madugu’s side will open their Group C campaign against Malawi on Tuesday before taking on Zambia and Egypt.

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Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze has been handed a crucial opportunity to impress new AC Milan coach Ruben Amorim after being named in the club’s squad for its pre-season tour, with his future at the San Siro still uncertain, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Nigerian, who has been linked with a move away from the Rossoneri this summer, will be looking to convince Amorim that he deserves a place in his plans as Milan prepare for two high-profile friendlies.

Milan have announced their squad for the tour, which includes Chukwueze, Rafael Leao, new signing Pervis Estupiñán and defender Fikayo Tomori.

The Rossoneri head to Australia after playing out a 2-2 draw with Celtic in Glasgow on Sunday. They will face city rivals Inter Milan in Perth on Wednesday before taking on Chelsea in Jakarta on August 8.

Amorim is keen to assess every player in his squad during the tour, including several whose futures remain unresolved.

Among them are Estupiñán, who has been heavily linked with a move to Aston Villa, and Tomori, who continues to attract interest from Newcastle United.

Leao is still on holiday following the FIFA Club World Cup and is expected to join the squad in Australia next week, suggesting Milan are not anticipating an immediate transfer involving the Portuguese forward.

Veteran midfielder Luka Modrić, Gonçalo Ramos, Alexis Saelemaekers, Ardon Jashari and Koni De Winter are also due to link up with the squad during the tour.

Defender Mario Gila has also travelled despite sustaining a minor muscle injury in the friendly against Celtic.

For Chukwueze, the pre-season fixtures could prove decisive as he seeks to earn Amorim’s confidence ahead of the 2026/27 campaign and avoid a summer exit from the seven-time European champions.

The winger had just returned to Milan after a loan spell at Fulham, with the Premier League side opting against activating the €26m purchase option included in the agreement.

During his time at Fulham, Chukwueze scored three goals and provided four assists in 23 league appearances, forming a strong partnership with fellow Nigerians Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey.

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A suspect has reportedly been arrested and confessed to stealing cash belonging to several Super Falcons players at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, Morocco, just days before Nigeria’s opening match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The suspect is expected to return all the stolen money while criminal proceedings are set to follow.

The incident occurred on the final day of the team’s training camp in Casablanca before the Super Falcons relocated to Rabat for their Group C matches.

Nigeria opened their WAFCON 2026 camp on July 15 in Mohammedia, a coastal city in Morocco, before moving to Rabat on Saturday, where they will be based throughout the group stage.

Midfielder Esther Okoronkwo revealed on social media that she, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Michelle Alozie and captain Rasheedat Ajibade were among the players who had cash stolen from their hotel rooms.

According to Okoronkwo, more than $1,000 was taken during the incident. She also accused the hotel staff of failing to properly address the matter when the players reported the theft.

“We started talking to them and they don’t have answers. They also started being disrespectful,” Okoronkwo said while warning members of the public against patronising the hotel.

Following the players’ public complaints, Nigerian journalist and former Super Eagles media officer, Colin Udoh, disclosed that the case had made significant progress.

“I have been informed that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the theft at the Super Falcons’ Marriott Hotel in Casablanca and has confessed. Full restitution will be made to the players while the law takes its course,” Udoh posted on Sunday.

Despite the unsettling incident, the Super Falcons have now shifted their focus to the tournament, with head coach Justine Madugu’s side set to begin their campaign against Malawi on Tuesday at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.

They had two training sessions at the AS FAR training ground on Sunday.

Nigeria, the record 10-time African champions, will also face Zambia and Egypt in Group C as they chase a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.

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