Members of Nigeria’s Super Falcons face online racist abuse following recent team controversies as they target a record-extending continental title at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The squad aims for their 10th African trophy after defeating host nation Morocco 3-2 in a dramatic final comeback during the previous tournament.
Anti-racism organisations repeatedly identify monkey emojis, banana emojis, and primate images as coded racial abuse aimed at Black athletes across sports.
Forward Esther Okoronkwo stated on Snapchat that she lost around $700 from her room at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, where the team initially trained. Teammates Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Halimatu Ayinde, and Joy Omewa also reportedly lost money before the squad relocated to Rabat.
Accounts linked to Moroccan users targeted Okoronkwo’s Instagram page with racist comments, primate pictures, gorilla imagery, and monkey emojis designed to dehumanise Black people.
This situation mirrors an earlier incident involving forward Rinsola Babajide, who faced direct message harassment containing multiple monkey and banana emojis after criticising a Confederation of African Football decision on social media.
They trained in Casablanca before moving to Rabat ahead of their Group C opening match against Malawi on July 28, where the nine-time African champions began defending their title.