Canadian Northern Super League champions AFC Toronto have thrown their full support behind Nigeria international Esther Okoronkwo after the forward was subjected to racist abuse on social media during the ongoing 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The club released a strongly worded statement condemning the discriminatory attacks directed at the Super Falcons forward, reiterating that racism has no place in football or society.
“There is no place for racism – in football, in sport, or in our communities,” AFC Toronto said in its official statement.
“Over the past few days, Esther Okoronkwo has been subjected to racist abuse while representing Nigeria at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.”
The statement comes after Okoronkwo became the target of online abuse following Nigeria’s participation in the continental championship in Morocco. The incidents emerged amid wider social media hostility surrounding the tournament, with several African football communities and anti-racism advocates condemning the messages directed at the Nigerian forward.
AFC Toronto reaffirmed its commitment to creating an inclusive environment for players regardless of race or nationality.
“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.”
The Canadian club also highlighted words previously shared by Okoronkwo herself in response to the abuse.
“As Esther shared: ‘Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.’
“Those words are a reminder of the kind of game—and the kind of community—we’re all working to build.
“We stand with our players. We stand with everyone working to make football more welcoming, inclusive and respectful.”
Okoronkwo has become one of AFC Toronto’s most influential players since joining the club in 2025. The Nigerian attacker enjoyed a stellar debut campaign, helping the club capture the inaugural Northern Super League Supporters’ Shield while finishing among the league’s top attacking performers before extending her contract through 2027.
The 29-year-old has also established herself as one of Nigeria’s most important attacking players. After missing the 2022 WAFCON because of a serious ACL injury, she returned to shine on the continental stage, playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s recent success and further cementing her place in the Super Falcons squad.
AFC Toronto’s response joins a growing list of clubs and football organisations that have publicly backed players facing racial discrimination, with football authorities continuing to stress a zero-tolerance approach toward racism both inside stadiums and across digital platforms.