Super Falcons striker Esther Okoronkwo was in sensational form as AFC Toronto booked their place in the Northern Super League (NSL) Final with a 4–1 demolition of Montreal Roses on Monday night.
The Nigerian forward delivered a masterclass at York Lions Stadium, scoring a first-half hat-trick to put Toronto out of sight before the break and seal a 6–1 aggregate win.
The 28-year-old opened the floodgates in the 7th minute, finishing off a neat pass from Kaylee Hunter. Fourteen minutes later, she curled in a sublime left-footed free kick to double the advantage before completing her treble in the 27th minute after reacting first to a defensive lapse from the visitors.
Esther Okoronkwo celebrating with her teammates. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Her heroics capped off an incredible half that showcased her finishing ability and calmness under pressure. Okoronkwo, who ended the regular season with eight goals and eight assists, has now hit 11 goals in all competitions this campaign.
The return leg was initially postponed on Sunday due to heavy snowfall in Toronto, but the delay did little to slow down the regular-season champions.
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After an explosive opening half, coach Carmelina Moscato opted to rest Okoronkwo in the 66th minute, bringing on Sarah Stratigakis to preserve energy for the final.
Esther Okoronkwo has 29 goals contribution in 30 matches for club and country in 2025. Photo Credit:Getty Images
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Montreal managed a consolation goal through Tanya Boychuk in the 74th minute, but Lauren Rowe quickly restored Toronto’s three-goal cushion ten minutes later to wrap up a dominant performance.
Next stop: NSL Final at BMO Field
With a 6–1 victory across both legs following their 2–0 win in Montreal last week, AFC Toronto will now face Vancouver Rise in Saturday’s NSL Final at BMO Field. Vancouver edged Ottawa 5–4 on penalties after a dramatic 3–3 aggregate draw in the other semi-final.
