How Awoniyi and Okoronkwo brought Christmas joy to Nigeria

Nigeria internationals Taiwo Awoniyi and Esther Okoronkwo have used the Christmas season to give back to communities at home, carrying out separate but deeply impactful acts of generosity aimed at easing hardship and spreading festive cheer, Soccernet.ng reports.

Despite being thousands of miles away in England, Super Eagles striker Awoniyi ensured his annual Christmas outreach reached vulnerable families in Kwara State. In the same vein, Super Falcons forward Okoronkwo took to the streets of Abia State in a surprise, personal show of kindness.

Together, their gestures provide insight into the theme of the festive season and how successful athletes cam return home in spirit and action to support those most in need.

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Awoniyi Foundation delivers food relief in Kwara

Through the Taiwo Awoniyi Foundation, the Nottingham Forest forward reached thousands of households across Ilorin and neighbouring communities, providing essential food items to families struggling with the effects of economic hardship.

The season of gifts!!!

Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest forward, Taiwo Awoniyi (@taiwoawoniyi18) has supported households in Ilorin with food items.

He’s always supporting his communities and gives back to his society. pic.twitter.com/rD4BIoxcpO

— Adepoju Tobi Samuel (@OgaNlaMedia) December 25, 2025

Volunteers of the foundation distributed Christmas relief packages containing rice, semovita, spaghetti, noodles, tomato paste, salt and other household staples. Widows, elderly residents and low-income families gathered at designated distribution centres, where scenes of gratitude and relief marked the exercise.

Although Mainz-linked Awoniyi remains in England due to club commitments, the outreach was carried out on his behalf and reflected his long-standing connection to his home state.

Speaking for the foundation, representative Suleiman Atunrase said the striker believed success carried responsibility.

“Taiwo believes that success is only meaningful when it impacts others,” Atunrase said.

“He understands the importance of this season, and his goal is simply to put a smile on people’s faces and ensure that every family can enjoy a decent meal this Christmas.”

The Christmas distribution forms part of a broader philanthropic programme by Awoniyi, whose foundation has previously supported education initiatives, healthcare access and youth sports development across Nigeria.

Okoronkwo surprises residents with cash gifts in Abia

In Umuahia, Abia State, Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo adopted a more direct and personal approach to giving back.

Esther Okoronkwo handing out cash in Abia State pic.twitter.com/2RiTuUMIbL

— GNB Official (@GHNaijaBallers) December 25, 2025

In a video shared on social media on Christmas Day, the Canada-based striker was seen stopping motorists, approaching traders and greeting pedestrians before handing each of them cash gifts of N200,000.

The simple caption, ‘Merry Christmas', accompanied scenes of disbelief, joy and emotional reactions from recipients across the city.

Okoronkwo’s gesture followed a remarkable year on the pitch. She played a key role in Nigeria’s triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, earning the Woman of the Match award in the final and later being voted the Super Falcons’ Fans’ Player of the Tournament.