Esther Okoronkwo is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury during AFC Toronto’s league clash against Halifax.
The Nigeria women’s national football team forward sustained meniscus damage and is expected to be out for approximately six weeks.
Head coach Marco Milanovic confirmed the injury update but expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to cope without one of their key attacking players.
Milanovic described Okoronkwo as an important member of the team while insisting the injury also presents opportunities for other players to step up.
The timing of the setback raises concerns ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which is scheduled to begin in Morocco on July 25.
Okoronkwo was one of Nigeria’s standout performers at the previous edition of the tournament, recording two goals and six assists.
A major injury scare for the Super Falcons — but hopes remain high that Okoronkwo will return in time for WAFCON.
