From tearing her ACL and missing the 2022 WAFCON entirely, to finishing as the tournament’s leading assist provider a year later, earning a CAF Awards nomination, Esther Okoronkwo’s journey to becoming one of Africa’s most influential players is the kind of story that makes football worth watching, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Falcons forward finished as the leading assist provider with six in six games, including the delivery that set up Jennifer Echegini’s winner in the final as Nigeria came back from 2-0 down to beat hosts Morocco and claim a record 10th continental title.
The performance earned her a CAF Awards nomination and confirmed her as one of Africa’s most complete attacking players.
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Speaking exclusively to CAFOnline, Okoronkwo was asked about the secret behind her ability to create chances consistently.
“I do not want to sound cocky, but it comes naturally to me. I have always had it, and I am happy that I can demonstrate it at the highest level,” she said.
She also pointed to the quality around her as a factor.
“With the national team, nothing is impossible. I play alongside many great players who make my job easier. They know I will find them, and they position themselves well.”
Of all six assists, one stands above the rest.
“It has to be the assist for the winning goal in the final. We were 2-0 down and came back. We had a final free-kick opportunity, and we completed the comeback and won. I think it was the most important goal we scored in the entire tournament.”
Okoronkwo arrives at WAFCON 2026 with defending the trophy, not chasing personal honours, as her only focus.
“We want to repeat history and win it again. As long as we all have the right attitude and mentality, we will be fine.”
Nigeria open their title defence against Malawi on July 28.
