Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) have received a major lift after forward Esther Okoronkwo made her return from injury for AFC Toronto, putting herself back in contention for a place in the Super Falcons squad.
Okoronkwo had been out of action for nearly two months after suffering a meniscus tear during AFC Toronto’s league clash with Halifax.
The 29-year-old marked her comeback by playing 25 minutes in AFC Toronto’s 3-1 victory over Vancouver on Sunday.
AFC Toronto managed just one win, two defeats and two draws in five league matches during her absence.
Her return is expected to boost Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu’s options ahead of Nigeria’s title defence at WAFCON 2026.
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Okoronkwo was one of Nigeria’s standout performers at the last WAFCON in Morocco, where she scored two goals and provided six assists in six appearances.
The Super Falcons have been drawn in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia and Egypt. Madugu’s side will begin their campaign against tournament debutants Malawi in Rabat on Tuesday, July 28.
