Super Falcons: Esther Okoronkwo set to miss WAFCON 2026 – Report

May 8, 2026 - 14:00
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Super Falcons: Esther Okoronkwo set to miss WAFCON 2026 – Report

Super Falcons and Toronto AFC Women forward Esther Okoronkwo is now a doubt for Nigeria's upcoming WAFCON 2026 campaign, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 29-year-old was one of the Super Falcons' standout players in Morocco last year, scoring two goals and providing seven assists as the Nigerian Female Football team were crowned African Champions for the 10th time.

The WAFCON 2026 tournament was initially scheduled to be held between 17 March and 3 April, but was postponed by CAF. The new duration is 25 July – 16 August 2026.

Ijeoma Esther Okoronkwo of Nigeria during the 2025 WAFCON quarter FinalsIjeoma Esther Okoronkwo of Nigeria during the 2025 WAFCON quarter Finals
Ijeoma Esther Okoronkwo of Nigeria during the 2025 WAFCON quarter Finals. Copyright: Imago

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Super Falcons: Esther Okoronkwo suffers a meniscus tear

With the WAFCON tournament just over two months away, one of Justin Madugu's key players might not be present in Morocco, and that's a big blow, because a semi-final spot is required for the African Champions to seal a World Cup spot.

Okoronkwo went down in AFC Toronto's goalless draw against Halifax Women five days ago. After further checks, it was confirmed that the former Saint-Etienne attacker suffered a meniscus tear and will be out for six weeks.

AFC Toronto v Halifax Tides Esther Okoronkwo sits on the ground following an injury
AFC Toronto v Halifax Tides, Esther Okoronkwo sits on the ground following an injury. Copyright: ImagoxIndrawanxKumalax

“We do have an update. Esther suffered a bit of a meniscus damage to her knee and the initial prognosis is that she'll be out for about six weeks,” AFC Toronto Women's head coach Marco Milanovic confirmed.

“She's obviously a key player for us, just like Sam was. When she first came in, she was initially out for the season.

“I love this group of players, I have a lot of confidence in them. So, any injury present any opportunity for someone else.

“We have a lot of depth up top and I'm very confident that those players will take the opportunity and make the most of it,” the Serbian-Canadian concluded.

Esther Okoronkwo of AFC Toronto kisses the Supporters Shield trophy
Esther Okoronkwo of AFC Toronto kisses the Supporters Shield trophy. Copyright: ImagoxLeonardoxRamirezx

Coach Madugu will be hopeful of having his star attacker back and fully fit before the tournament kicks off in mid-June.

Okoronkwo missed the AFCON 2022 tournament after suffering a debilitating ACL injury.

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