Nigeria have received encouraging news ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo made her long-awaited return from injury, Footynaija reports.
The 28-year-old played her first competitive match in almost six weeks as AFC Toronto defeated Vancouver Rise FC 3-1 in a Northern Super League clash on Sunday. Okoronkwo started on the bench before coming on in the 65th minute, bringing an end to a frustrating spell on the sidelines caused by a meniscus tear and a hamstring injury.
Toronto took the lead in the 35th minute when Lauren Rowe’s cross forced Vancouver defender Jessika Cowart into an own goal. Anais Oularbi quickly equalised for the hosts, but Rowe restored Toronto’s advantage in the 63rd minute before Kaylee Hunter sealed the win with a stoppage-time goal.
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The victory moved AFC Toronto into fourth place with 12 points from eight matches, keeping the club in the playoff race.
Okoronkwo’s comeback is a major boost for Nigeria, with WAFCON set to kick off in Morocco on July 25. The striker now has several weeks to rebuild her fitness after missing five league games and Nigeria’s friendly matches against Senegal because of injury.
The Super Falcons will be hoping she can rediscover the form that made her one of Africa’s standout players. At the last WAFCON, Okoronkwo scored twice and provided six assists in six matches as Nigeria lifted a record 10th continental title. She was especially outstanding in the final against hosts Morocco, scoring once and setting up two more goals as the Falcons fought back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
