Esther Okoronkwo writes her name in gold, ends NSL campaign with assist in AFC Toronto win

Esther Okoronkwo celebrating with teammates after victory

Esther Okoronkwo continues to seal her reputation as one of Africa’s top football talents with another standout performance for AFC Toronto in the Northern Super League on Sunday.

Esther Okoronkwo setting up a goal for AFC Toronto

The Super Falcons star played a vital role in helping Toronto secure the first-ever Northern Super League Regular Season title, Footballrover reports.

Esther Okoronkwo’s Key Role in Toronto’s Victory

Okoronkwo’s influence was clear throughout the campaign.

She finished the regular season with an assist in Toronto’s 2-1 win over Montreal Roses FC at York Lions Stadium, helping her side end the season with 51 points from 25 games — 16 wins, three draws, and six losses.

Esther Okoronkwo bags 6th assist for AFC Toronto

The 28-year-old registered an impressive 15 goal contributions in 20 matches, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists.

Her creative presence was particularly evident in the win against Montreal.

Montreal started the game strongly, taking the lead in the 10th minute when Alexandria Hess capitalised on a defensive lapse by Toronto goalkeeper Sierra Cota-Yarde.

Just before halftime, Lauren Rowe delivered a precise cross to Sarah Stratigakis, who tapped it in to level the score at 1-1.

The game’s decisive moment came in the 68th minute when Okoronkwo provided a brilliant assist to Kaylee Hunter, who scored her ninth goal of the season, extending her scoring streak to three consecutive matches.

AFC Toronto vs Montreal Roses match featuring Esther Okoronkwo

Momentum Builds for CAF Women’s Player of the Year Contender

With this win, AFC Toronto secured the top spot in the league standings heading into the playoffs, riding high on momentum.

Okoronkwo’s exceptional performances have not gone unnoticed. She was recently nominated for the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Player of the Year award, making her a strong favourite for the coveted prize.

Her season highlights include two goals and four assists en route to Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON trophy, where she was also named Woman of the Match in the final, scoring and assisting in a dominant display.

Esther Okoronkwo setting up a goal for Toronto

Speaking on how it feels to be the first club to win the Shield, Esther said,

It feels really good. It’s really amazing. We really worked hard for it from the beginning of the season. So to see our dream get accomplished, we’re very happy.”

When asked what she has to say to the fans, she noted:

Well, thank you so much for all the support in us coming out. Even when it’s so hot, rainy, cold, you know, they’re always out here supporting. Without them, we wouldn’t be here. And thank you so much.”

Looking ahead, Esther Okoronkwo will rejoin the Super Falcons for their double-header against Benin Republic in the WAFCON 2026 qualifiers, where she will hope to continue her remarkable run of form at the international level.

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Last Updated on October 19, 2025 11:01 pm by footballrover

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