Esther Okoronkwo’s social media presence has exploded following her sensational performances at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where she helped the Super Falcons of Nigeria clinch a historic 10th title.
Just days after the thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco in the final, the AFC Toronto forward’s Instagram account surged past 100,000 followers, a sharp rise from the 42,000 she had at the beginning of the tournament.
Okoronkwo’s rise in popularity is directly linked to her outstanding contribution on the pitch. She ended the tournament with two goals and six assists, the highest of any player at WAFCON 2024.
Her influence was particularly felt in the final, where she was involved in all three of Nigeria’s goals, scoring a pressure penalty, assisting the equalizer, and delivering the free-kick that led to the winning goal.
The 28-year-old playmaker also claimed two Player of the Match awards, including one in the final, and was named the Super Falcons Fans’ Player of the Tournament.
Her combination of composure, creativity, and consistency made her a standout performer throughout the competition.
Okoronkwo’s surge in Instagram followers reflects her growing popularity and status as a national football icon. While other teammates like Michelle Alozie, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Ashleigh Plumptre also saw follower boosts, none matched Okoronkwo’s dramatic jump in numbers.
From an underrated squad member to a certified tournament MVP, Okoronkwo’s WAFCON journey has captivated fans across Africa and beyond, both on and off the field.
