WAFCON 2026 Preparations Hit By Injury Setback For Nigeria

WAFCON 2026 Preparations Hit By Injury Setback For Nigeria

By Our Reporter 

Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations have suffered a setback following reports that Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo is expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks with a knee injury, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Okoronkwo sustained the injury while featuring for Canadian side Toronto during a league encounter against Halifax Tides FC earlier this week. Initial reports indicate that the Nigerian international suffered meniscus damage.

Despite the setback, there is growing optimism within the Super Falcons camp that the forward will recover in time for the continental tournament, which is scheduled to begin on July 25 in Morocco.

The injury comes as a concern for Nigeria, given Okoronkwo’s growing importance to the national team in recent years. The forward played a pivotal role during the last edition of the competition, registering two goals and six assists to help the Super Falcons maintain their strong presence on the African stage.

Her potential return before the tournament would provide a major boost for Nigeria as the team aims to compete for another continental title.