Esther Okoronkwo has made a successful recovery from injury, providing a significant advantage to the Super Falcons as they prepare for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The 29-year-old forward had been out for nearly two months following a meniscus tear sustained during a league match for AFC Toronto against Halifax.
Okoronkwo marked her return on Sunday, playing for 25 minutes in a 3-1 victory against Vancouver. During her absence, her club struggled to find consistency, managing only one win in five league games. Nigeria’s head coach, Justine Madugu, is now anticipated to select the versatile player for the upcoming WAFCON roster.
Okoronkwo was a standout performer during the previous tournament in Morocco, where she contributed two goals and six assists across six games. Nigeria enters the 2026 competition in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi. The team’s title defense kicks off on July 28 in Rabat with a match against Malawi.
