Super Falcons midfielder Esther Okoronkwo made her comeback for AFC Toronto on Sunday. She played for 25 minutes in their 3-1 victory over Vancouver Rise.
Okoronkwo's return is a big boost for Nigeria ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament will take place in Morocco from July 25 to August 16.
The 29-year-old had been out for nearly two months. She suffered a meniscus tear during a league match against Halifax earlier this season.
During her absence, AFC Toronto only won one match and had two losses and two draws in five league games.
Okoronkwo also missed two international friendlies against Senegal, which Nigeria won 5-1 on aggregate.
With her back in the team, head coach Justine Madugu now has to decide if the Toronto-based midfielder will be part of the final squad for the tournament in Morocco. Madugu has tried other players in Okoronkwo's position during her time away.
Okoronkwo was one of Nigeria’s best players at the last WAFCON in Morocco. She scored two goals and made seven assists while helping the Super Falcons win their 10th continental title.
For this year's tournament, Nigeria is grouped with Malawi, Zambia, and Egypt in Group C. Madugu’s team will start their campaign against Malawi, who are debuting in the tournament, in Rabat on Tuesday, July 28.
The 2026 WAFCON will also act as qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four teams that reach the semi-finals will qualify automatically. Another team from the tournament will also have a chance to compete in the intercontinental playoffs.
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