Nigeria’s Super Falcons report receiving a wave of racist abuse on social media ahead of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title defence in Morocco. Players are targeted in online posts and direct messages featuring primate imagery and monkey and banana emojis, which anti-racism groups identify as coded forms of racial harassment aimed at Black athletes. The abuse comes as the team arrives in Morocco and begins preparations for its Group C opener against Malawi on July 28, after relocating from Casablanca to Rabat.
The reports also connect the surge in attacks to earlier allegations by forward Esther Okoronkwo that cash was stolen from players’ rooms at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca. Okoronkwo said she lost about $700, and teammates including Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Halimatu Ayinde and Joy Omewa also reported missing money. Following the complaints, Okoronkwo’s Instagram page reportedly drew racist comments. Nigerian journalist Colin Udoh later says a suspect was arrested in connection with the theft and that restitution is expected.
Despite the controversy, the team focuses on its campaign, seeking to extend its record of WAFCON titles after winning the previous edition.
