Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo delivered a breathtaking performance, scoring a first-half hat-trick to send AFC Toronto into the Northern Super League (NSL) playoff final after a commanding 4–1 victory over Montreal Roses on Monday night at York Lions Stadium in Toronto.
The result completed a 6–1 aggregate win for Toronto and booked their place in the inaugural NSL final, where they will face Vancouver Rise FC at BMO Field on Saturday, November 15.
Okoronkwo’s 27-Minute Hat-Trick
Okoronkwo opened the scoring in the 7th minute, finishing off a precise cutback from Kaylee Hunter.
Fourteen minutes later, she doubled the advantage with a beautifully curled free-kick that left the goalkeeper helpless.
By the 27th minute, she completed her hat-trick after reacting swiftly to a defensive clearance and firing home a low drive.
It was her first hat-trick of the season and the fastest in Northern Super League playoff history.
The 28-year-old Nigerian forward, who finished the regular season with eight goals and eight assists, was substituted in the 66th minute to a warm ovation from the home crowd.
Season Stats and Impact
Okoronkwo’s performance against Montreal Roses underlined her importance to AFC Toronto’s success this season.
She now has 11 goals and 8 assists, taking her tally to 18 goal contributions in 21 matches for the club.
Across both club and international competitions in 2025, Okoronkwo has been involved in 29 goals, the highest tally for any African female footballer this year.
Her form has firmly established her as one of Nigeria’s standout forwards, raising expectations ahead of the upcoming WAFCON and World Cup qualifiers.
What’s Next
AFC Toronto will face Vancouver Rise FC in the Northern Super League Final at BMO Field on Saturday, November 15.
Vancouver advanced after edging Ottawa 5–4 on penalties following a 3–3 aggregate draw.
The winner will be crowned champion of the NSL’s inaugural season.
