Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo is expected to spend around six weeks on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury during AFC Toronto’s league clash against Halifax.
The Nigerian international sustained a meniscus injury in the encounter, dealing a major blow to both her club and the national team ahead of a busy football calendar.
AFC Toronto head coach Marco Milanovic confirmed the development while speaking after the game, revealing that the 29-year-old will undergo recovery and rehabilitation in the coming weeks.
“We do have an update. Esther suffered a bit of a meniscus damage to her knee and the initial prognosis is that she’ll be out for about six weeks,” Milanovic said.
Despite losing one of his key attacking players, the coach expressed confidence in the depth of his squad and believes others will step up during her absence.
“She’s obviously a key player for us, just like Sam was. I love this group of players, and I have a lot of confidence in them. Any injury presents an opportunity for someone else,” he added.
Okoronkwo has been one of the standout performers for both club and country in recent years. Known for her pace, movement, and creativity in the final third, the forward remains an important figure in the Super Falcons setup.
Her injury will naturally raise concerns ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, which is scheduled to kick off on July 25. However, the recovery timeline means she still has a strong chance of regaining full fitness before the tournament begins.
At the last edition of the competition, Okoronkwo played a vital role for Nigeria, scoring two goals and providing six assists as the Super Falcons reached the latter stages of the tournament.
Fans will now hope the forward makes a quick and full recovery as Nigeria prepares for another major continental campaign.
