Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo delivered a truly spectacular performance. She scored a rapid first-half hat-trick, securing her club, AFC Toronto, a spot in the inaugural Northern Super League (NSL) championship game.
Toronto achieved a dominant 4-1 victory over the Montreal Roses in Monday’s semi-final match. The game took place at York Lions Stadium under snowy conditions.
Dominating the First Half
Okoronkwo had already logged eight goals and eight assists during the regular season. She immediately transferred that strong form into the playoffs, wasting no time.
The 28-year-old striker scored in the 7th, 20th, and 26th minutes. This quick trio of goals placed the regular-season champions firmly in command. Her efforts contributed to an overall 6-1 aggregate win against the visiting Montreal team.
Lauren Rowe added Toronto’s final goal in the 83rd minute. Tanya Boychuk scored Montreal’s lone consolation goal in the 74th minute.
Coach Praises Big-Game Performer
Following the match, Toronto coach Marko Milanović praised Okoronkwo’s clutch performance.
“It was a complete team effort,” Milanović said, noting the offensive synergy. “The work up top from [Kaylee Hunter], alongside Esther, was incredible until she came off.” He also pointed out that Hunter set up the first goal.
The coach strongly emphasized Okoronkwo’s consistency in high-stakes moments. “As for Esther, we know what she’s capable of,” he stated. “She’s a big-time player who always delivers in big moments.”
He mentioned her impact at the 2024 continental semi-finals for the Nigerian national team, where she scored three goals. Milanović hopes to see more of that quality in the final.
Fans and pundits celebrated Okoronkwo’s effort across social media. Posts hailed her as an emergent African star. Earlier this season, she was recognized for her strong performance after contributing three goals to Toronto’s major 7-0 win over Vancouver Rise.
Road to the NSL Final
Toronto had previously won the semi-final series’ first leg. They secured a 2-0 victory on November 1st in Montreal, with goals scored by Small and Hunter.
The team will now prepare to meet the Vancouver Rise in Saturday’s NSL Final. The championship match will be held at BMO Field.
Vancouver secured their final place after a tense match against Ottawa. They won 5-4 on penalties after the semi-final finished level at 3-3 on aggregate.
The second leg of the Toronto-Montreal match was originally set for Sunday. It was postponed until Monday due to heavy snowfall in the Toronto area.
Africa’s Essential Tech & Startup Gatherings — November 2025
Armenian Dram
Ghana Cedi
Gambian Dalasi
Guinea Franc
Nigerian Naira
CFA Franc BEAC
