Nigeria’s Super Falcons Forward Esther Okoronkwo Faces Racist Abuse After Alleging Theft At Moroccan Hotel
Nigeria’s Super Falcons Forward Esther Okoronkwo Faces Racist Abuse After Alleging Theft At Moroccan Hotel
The online abuse followed reports that several Super Falcons players accused members of the hotel staff of stealing cash from their wallets while they were away from their rooms ahead of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final.
Super Falcons striker Esther Okoronkwo has become the target of racist attacks on social media after claiming that cash was stolen from players’ wallets while Nigeria’s women’s national team was lodged at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, Morocco.
SaharaReporters observed that numerous accounts, believed to be Moroccan, flooded Okoronkwo’s Instagram page with abusive comments. Many compared her and other Black people to monkeys and gorillas in what appeared to be racially charged assaults.
The online abuse followed reports that several Super Falcons players accused members of the hotel staff of stealing cash from their wallets while they were away from their rooms ahead of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final.
Among the comments seen by SaharaReporters was one from an Instagram user identified as @mmeedd23, who criticised Okoronkwo for speaking publicly about the alleged theft and made remarks that have drawn condemnation for their racial undertones.
Racism
The user wrote: “Don’t you ever speak bad about Moroccan women. I am not gonna say things racist here. We apologise about that but I am sure where are you from is nowhere close to Morocco beauty and progress and I am sure the place they gave you to stay and the pitchs (sic) where you train you won’t have them in Nigeria only after 200 years so stay humble and never bite the hand that feeds you even for small amount of time.”
Racism
Also, el_youssefy_yousef041 posted, “There is no place for you in Morocco; go back to the country that suits your savagery, lack of awareness, and disrespect for people-and for Moroccans.”
Racism
maryem_bouf wrote: “Respect Morocco and its people you ill-mannered person and when you return to your country Nigeria don’t forget to film the thousands of Nigerians living in wooden shacks built over polluted foul-smelling water can you tell us how the children and women there breathe and live in such conditions instead of insulting another country.”
Racism
In addition, users identified as Hannounimad and m.e.r.y.e.m_belcaid posted photos of primates to mock the football star, further intensifying the racist abuse.
Racism
Some other comments reviewed by SaharaReporters included insults directed at Okoronkwo’s race and appearance, with some users likening Black Africans to primates, a racist trope that has historically been used to dehumanise Black people.
Racism
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that several Super Falcons players alleged that a total of $1,220 was stolen from their wallets while staying at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca.
Racism
According to the allegations, Okoronkwo lost $700, while team captain Rasheedat Ajibade reportedly lost $200.
Racism
Veteran defender Osinachi Ohale allegedly lost $100, midfielder Halimatu Ayinde $100, and Joy Omewa $120.
The alleged theft reportedly occurred while the players were away from their hotel rooms, raising concerns over the security of the team’s accommodation during the continental tournament.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) nor the management of the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca had publicly responded to the allegations or announced any investigation into the reported theft.
Similarly, neither Moroccan authorities nor Meta, the parent company of Instagram, had commented on the wave of abusive comments directed at the Nigerian international.
The incident comes as the Super Falcons continue their campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where they are seeking to extend their record as Africa’s most successful women’s football team.
