Nigeria’s Super Falcons have come under racist attacks on social media ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, with several players targeted by abusive posts following allegations of theft at the team’s hotel.
The wave of online abuse erupted after Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo alleged that cash was stolen from players’ rooms at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, where the team held its initial training camp before relocating to Rabat for the tournament.
Okoronkwo claimed she lost about $700, while teammates Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Halimatu Ayinde and Joy Omewa also reportedly had money stolen.
Following the allegations, several social media accounts believed to belong to Moroccan users flooded Okoronkwo’s Instagram page with monkey emojis, banana emojis and gorilla images symbols widely recognized as racist insults directed at Black people.
Reports indicated that other members of the Super Falcons were also subjected to similar abuse across various social media platforms.
The incident comes despite reports of progress in the investigation into the alleged theft.
Former Super Eagles media officer Colin Udoh disclosed that a suspect had been arrested and confessed to the crime, adding that the affected players would receive full restitution while legal proceedings continue.
The latest attacks mirror an earlier incident involving Super Falcons forward Rinsola Babajide, who was racially abused after criticizing a Confederation of African Football (CAF) decision involving Morocco.
Babajide later shared screenshots of direct messages containing monkey and banana emojis, describing them as racist abuse.
The Super Falcons are in Morocco to defend the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title they won after defeating hosts Morocco 3–2 in the previous final. Nigeria will begin its Group C campaign against Malawi on July 28 as it seeks a record-extending continental crown.
