Okoronkwo makes injury return ahead WAFCON

Super Falcons midfielder Esther Okoronkwo returned to action for AFC Toronto on Sunday, featuring for 25 minutes in their 3-1 win over Vancouver Rise, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Okoronkwo’s return hands Nigeria a timely boost ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to be held in Morocco from July 25 to August 16.

The 29-year-old had been sidelined for nearly two months after suffering a meniscus tear during AFC Toronto’s league clash against Halifax earlier this season.

AFC Toronto managed just one win, alongside two defeats and two draws, in five league matches during her absence.

She also missed the Super Falcons’ two international friendlies against Senegal, which Nigeria won 5-1 on aggregate.

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With her return, head coach Justine Madugu, who has experimented with other options in her position, now faces a decision on whether the Canada-based midfielder will make the final squad for the tournament in Morocco.

Okoronkwo was one of Nigeria’s standout performers at the last WAFCON in Morocco, scoring two goals and providing seven assists as the Super Falcons claimed a record-extending 10th continental title.

For this year’s tournament, Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia and Egypt. Madugu’s side will open their campaign against debutants Malawi in Rabat on Tuesday, July 28.

The 2026 WAFCON will also serve as qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically, while another team from the tournament will compete in the intercontinental playoffs.

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