Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo produced a dazzling first-half performance on Monday night, netting a hat-trick that powered AFC Toronto into the Northern Super League championship final after a 4-1 victory over Montreal Roses.
The 28-year-old Nigerian international wasted no time stamping her authority on the snow-dusted semifinal clash at York Lions Stadium, scoring in the 7th, 20th, and 26th minutes. Her three goals gave the Toronto side, who had already led 2-0 from the first leg, an unassailable 6-1 aggregate lead over their Canadian rivals.
Lauren Rowe later added a fourth goal in the 83rd minute, while Tanya Boychuk grabbed a consolation for Montreal in the 74th.
Toronto’s coach, Marko Milanović, could hardly hide his admiration after the match. “It was a complete team effort,” he said. “The work up top from Kaylee Hunter, alongside Esther, was incredible until she came off. She was the one who set up that first goal as well. As for Esther, we know what she’s capable of. She’s a big-time player who always delivers in big moments we saw it at the Africa Cup of Nations, and now again in this semifinal.”
Fans online have been showering Okoronkwo with praise, calling her “Africa’s next big star” and applauding her consistency since her exploits with Nigeria’s Super Falcons during the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where she scored three goals to help Nigeria reach the semifinals.
Okoronkwo, who finished the regular NSL season with eight goals and eight assists in 1,486 minutes, was also crowned Nigeria’s Baller of the Week in September after her remarkable showing in Toronto’s 7-0 demolition of Vancouver Rise.
With Monday’s win, Toronto booked their place in the league’s inaugural final, where they will face Vancouver Rise on Saturday at the BMO Field. Vancouver edged Ottawa 5-4 on penalties after a tense 3-3 aggregate draw.
The match had initially been slated for Sunday but was moved to Monday due to heavy snowfall across Toronto, adding a dramatic backdrop to Okoronkwo’s historic display.
As the final approaches, Toronto’s confidence appears sky-high and for good reason. Their star striker is in unstoppable form, and her coach believes there’s still more to come. “Hopefully,” Milanović added, “we’ll see more of that in the final too.”
