Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo has publicly questioned officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over her exclusion from Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The striker, who has been one of Nigeria’s standout performers in recent years, expressed her frustration in a strongly worded statement shared on social media, calling for transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding her omission.
Okoronkwo was widely expected by many supporters to be included in the Super Falcons squad, given her contributions to the national team and her performances in recent competitions.
However, her absence from the final list has generated discussion among fans and observers ahead of the continental tournament.
In her statement, the 29-year-old suggested that the explanation being given to the public does not accurately reflect what transpired behind the scenes.
“To those corrupt officials responsible for the decisions that led to my exclusion from the Super Falcons squad, why not tell Nigerians the real truth?
“For weeks, I have remained silent out of respect, professionalism, and love for the game. However, I will not allow false narratives, speculation, and misinformation to continue spreading,” she wrote.
The forward also challenged those responsible for team selection and administration to be open about the reasons behind her omission.
According to her, Nigerians deserve a truthful account of what led to her absence from the squad.
“I urge those in charge to stop lying to Nigerians and tell them the real reasons I was excluded from the team.
“If the truth is not made known, I will have no choice but to share my own side of the story and expose everything that has happened behind closed doors,” she added.
The statement has sparked reactions among football fans, with many expressing surprise at the development and calling for clarification from the Nigeria Football Federation.
Okoronkwo has been a key figure for the Super Falcons in recent years, earning praise for her versatility, attacking contributions, and commitment whenever called upon to represent the country.
Her performances for both club and country have helped establish her as one of the most recognizable players in Nigeria’s women’s national team setup.
The controversy comes at a crucial time as the Super Falcons prepare for another WAFCON campaign, with expectations high for the nine-time African champions.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Football Federation had not issued an official response to Okoronkwo’s allegations.
The striker’s comments have now shifted attention away from preparations for the tournament and toward questions surrounding squad selection and internal decision-making within the national team.
With Okoronkwo indicating that she may reveal further details if the situation is not addressed, many football followers will be watching closely to see whether the federation responds to the claims and provides clarity on the circumstances surrounding her exclusion.
For now, the Super Falcons forward insists that Nigerians deserve the full story behind one of the most talked-about omissions ahead of the competition.
