AFC Toronto have thrown their support behind forward Esther Okoronkwo after the Nigeria international was subjected to racist abuse by Moroccan fans while representing the Super Falcons at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Bold Sports reports.
Okoronkwo received several racist comments on her Instagram page after she accused staff at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca of stealing money belonging to several Super Falcons players during a scheduled room-cleaning exercise while the players were away.
The AFC Toronto forward alleged that money belonging to her teammates, including Gift Monday, Halimatu Ayinde, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Michelle Alozie and captain Rasheedat Ajibade, had been stolen.
Following her allegations, Okoronkwo’s comment section was flooded with racist attacks from Moroccan fans, with several users posting offensive remarks and images of apes and monkeys.
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The 29-year-old responded to the abuse by emphasising that only love can overcome hate and concluded her message with: “See you on the pitch.”
“Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that. We move forward with pride, unity and determination. See you on the pitch,” she wrote.
AFC Toronto subsequently released a statement supporting Okoronkwo and reiterating that racism has no place in football.
“There is no place for racism—in football, in sport, or in our communities,” the Canada-based club said in a statement on Monday.
“Over the past few days, Esther Okoronkwo has been subjected to racist abuse while representing Nigeria at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
“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.
“We stand with our players. We stand with everyone working to make football more welcoming, inclusive and respectful.”
Okoronkwo is expected to play a key role for the Super Falcons at the WAFCON after recovering from injury in time for the tournament. The defending champions will face Malawi in their opening match on Tuesday.
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