The Nigeria Football Federation and Canadian club AFC Toronto have condemned the racist abuse directed at Super Falcons midfielder Esther Okoronkwo on social media following the theft of her money at Nigeria’s team hotel in Morocco.

PUCNH Online reports that the incident occurred during the Super Falcons’ stay in Morocco for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where a hotel worker stole cash belonging to the player.

Moroccan authorities later arrested the suspect, recovered the stolen money, ordered its return to the player and sentenced the offender to six months’ imprisonment.

Despite the swift action by Moroccan authorities, Okoronkwo was subjected to racist comments and monkey emojis on social media, prompting the Super Falcons forward to respond publicly and drawing strong condemnation from both the Nigeria Football Federation and her club, AFC Toronto.

In separate statements released on Monday on their X handles, both organisations described the attacks as unacceptable and reaffirmed their support for the Nigeria international.

The NFF said racism and discrimination had no place in football or society.

“The Nigeria Football Federation strongly condemns the unacceptable racist abuse directed at Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo on social media following recent incidents at the team’s hotel in Morocco.

“Discrimination in any form has no place in football or society,” the federation said.

The NFF noted that the online abuse was unjustified, stressing that the individual responsible for the theft involving the player had already been arrested, ordered to return the stolen cash and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.

“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,” the statement read.

The federation also assured that the welfare of the Super Falcons remained a top priority, adding that the incident would not distract the team from its campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

It added, “The safety, dignity, and well-being of our players remain our utmost priority.

“The entire team stands united, unbothered by distractions, and fully focused on tomorrow’s #WAFCON2026 opener against Malawi.”

AFC Toronto, Okoronkwo’s club, also threw its weight behind the striker, declaring that there was no place for racism in football.

“There is no place for racism in our game. Today and every day we stand for respect and inclusion,” the club said.

The Canadian club disclosed that Okoronkwo had been subjected to racist abuse while representing Nigeria at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

“Over the past few days, Esther Okoronkwo has been subjected to racist abuse while representing Nigeria at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.”

AFC Toronto said football should be a safe and welcoming environment for everyone and pledged its support for the player.

“At AFC Toronto, we believe football should be a place where everyone feels safe, respected and valued. We are proud to stand with Esther and all athletes who face racism and discrimination, both on and off the pitch.”

Quoting the Super Falcons forward, the club said, “Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.”

The club reaffirmed its commitment to fighting racism and promoting inclusion.

“We stand with our players. We stand with everyone working to make football more welcoming, inclusive and respectful,” it added.

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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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