Super Falcons forward sets league record and leads Canadian side into inaugural Northern Super League final.
Nigerian international forward Esther Okoronkwo produced a dazzling display on Monday night (Tuesday morning in Nigeria time), scoring a first‑half hat‑trick as Canadian side AFC Toronto crushed Montreal Roses FC 4‑1 in the second leg of the semis of the inaugural Northern Super League (NSL) playoffs at York Lions Stadium. The aggregate score was 6‑1, sealing Toronto’s place in the final.
Okoronkwo’s treble came in rapid succession: the opener in the 7th minute after a smart pass from Kaylee Hunter, followed by a free‑kick in the 14th minute, and then a dribble‑past‑defenders strike in the 27th minute, making her the fastest player in NSL history to record a hat‑trick.
Montreal pulled one back via Tanya Boychuk in the 74th minute, but Toronto sealed the win when Lauren Rowe netted in the 83rd minute.
Head coach Marko Milanović of AFC Toronto described the win as “a complete effort … we had good energy and played with intensity. Even though we were up 3‑0 at halftime, the message was to keep pushing.”
Why This Matters for Nigerian Football
For Nigerian football fans, Okoronkwo’s performance is doubly significant. Not only is she flying the flag abroad for Nigeria, but the manner and speed of her three goals underline her rising star status and the growing impact of Nigerians in women’s football overseas. Having helped the Super Falcons to their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title earlier in the year (where she scored and assisted). This hat‑trick adds another milestone to her career.
What’s Next for AFC Toronto and Okoronkwo
With this emphatic win, AFC Toronto progress to the NSL Championship Final at BMO Field on 15 November, where they will face Vancouver Rise FC.
For Okoronkwo, the spotlight is on her to carry that momentum into the final. Her speed, technical ability and growing experience in high‑pressure matches make her a key figure to watch. Both for her club and for Nigerian fans tracking Nigerians abroad.
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