Online attacks targeting Nigerian players escalate after hotel theft allegations, with anti-racism concerns growing before tournament kickoff

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have come under a wave of racist abuse on social media just days before kicking off their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign in Morocco.

Several players were targeted with offensive comments featuring monkey and banana emojis—widely recognised racist symbols—after controversy surrounding an alleged theft incident at the team’s hotel in Casablanca.

The nine-time African champions had been finalising preparations in Morocco, training in Casablanca before relocating to Rabat for their Group C opener against Malawi on July 28. But the build-up to the tournament has been overshadowed by the online attacks.

The backlash followed claims by forward Esther Okoronkwo, who alleged that about $700 was stolen from her hotel room. Teammates Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Halimatu Ayinde and Joy Omewa also reportedly lost cash during the incident at the Marriott Hotel.

In the aftermath, Okoronkwo’s social media pages were flooded with abusive messages, many believed to have originated from Moroccan accounts. The comments included primate imagery and slurs commonly used to demean Black athletes.

The abuse quickly spread beyond Okoronkwo, with other members of the squad reportedly facing similar attacks across different platforms.

However, there has been some progress in the theft investigation. Nigerian journalist and former Super Eagles media officer, Colin Udoh, revealed that a suspect has been arrested and has allegedly confessed, with assurances that the affected players will be compensated.

This is not the first time Nigerian players have faced such treatment in recent days. Forward Rinsola Babajide was also subjected to racist messages after she criticised a Confederation of African Football decision involving Morocco. She later shared screenshots of the abuse, sparking outrage.

Anti-racism groups have long warned that the use of monkey and banana emojis online is a coded form of racial harassment frequently directed at Black footballers.

Despite the distractions, the Super Falcons remain focused on their mission in Morocco—chasing a record-extending continental title. The team heads into the tournament as defending champions after their dramatic 3-2 comeback win over hosts Morocco in the last final.