Nigeria’s Super Falcons have come under a wave of racist attacks on social media ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with several players subjected to offensive posts featuring monkey emojis, banana emojis, and primate images.
The abuse surfaced as the nine-time African champions arrived in Morocco to begin their title defence, relocating from Casablanca to Rabat ahead of their Group C opener against Malawi on July 28.
The attacks followed allegations by forward Esther Okoronkwo that cash was stolen from players’ rooms at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca. Okoronkwo claimed she lost about $700, while teammates Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Halimatu Ayinde, and Joy Omewa also reported missing money.
After the complaints, Okoronkwo’s Instagram page was flooded with racist comments, many believed to have come from Moroccan users. Other Falcons players were also targeted.
Nigerian journalist Colin Udoh later disclosed that a suspect had been arrested in connection with the theft and had confessed, with restitution promised to the affected players.
This is not the first time the team has faced racist abuse. Forward Rinsola Babajide was previously attacked online after criticising CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations hosting rights and award them to Morocco. She shared screenshots of monkey and banana emojis sent to her in direct messages.
Anti-racism organisations have long identified such imagery as coded forms of racial abuse directed at Black athletes.
Despite the controversy, the Super Falcons remain focused on their campaign in Morocco, where they are seeking a record-extending continental title after defeating the hosts 3–2 in the last WAFCON final to secure their 10th crown.
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