Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo has returned to training after overcoming a frustrating injury lay-off, providing a significant boost for both AFC Toronto and Nigeria ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The 29-year-old forward had been sidelined since sustaining a meniscus tear and hamstring injury during AFC Toronto’s league match against Halifax last month. Okoronkwo was forced off in the 39th minute of the encounter, which ended in a goalless draw.
The injury ruled her out of five consecutive league matches for the Canadian club and also saw her miss Nigeria’s recent two-legged international fixture against Senegal.
Okoronkwo confirmed her return to fitness through a post on social media, sharing photographs of herself back on the training pitch.
“Back on my feet, mission en route,” she wrote on Instagram, signalling her determination to return to competitive action.
The Nigerian international could make her long-awaited comeback this Saturday when AFC Toronto host Montreal Roses at York Lions Stadium.
Her return comes as welcome news for the Super Falcons, who are intensifying preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Okoronkwo played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s triumphant WAFCON 2024 campaign, helping the Super Falcons claim a record-extending 10th continental title. The former AS Saint-Étienne Féminines forward contributed two goals and six assists in six appearances, underlining her importance to the team.
Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia and Egypt, with the Super Falcons set to begin their campaign against Malawi on 26 July.
All Group C matches will be played at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
The tournament will be hosted by Morocco from 25 July to 16 August 2026, with Nigeria aiming to defend their crown and further cement their status as Africa’s most successful women’s football nation.
