Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo delivered a masterclass performance on Monday night, scoring a first-half hat-trick to power AFC Toronto into the Northern Super League (NSL) playoff final after a dominant 4–1 win over Montreal Roses at York Lions Stadium.
The result sealed a 6–1 aggregate victory for Toronto, who had earlier triumphed 2–0 in the first leg at Stade Boreale in Montreal on November 1, courtesy of goals from Nikayla Small and Kaylee Hunter.
Esther Okoronkwo Breaks NSL Record with Historic Hat-Trick
Okoronkwo wasted no time asserting her dominance, scoring all three of Toronto’s goals within the opening 27 minutes of the second leg, a feat that etched her name into NSL history.
The 28-year-old Nigerian forward opened the scoring in the 7th minute, finishing off a precise square pass from Hunter.
Fourteen minutes later, she doubled Toronto’s lead with a stunning left-footed free kick, curling it past a two-person wall and the helpless Montreal goalkeeper.
Her third, and arguably the pick of the bunch, came in the 27th minute. After regaining possession in midfield, Okoronkwo charged forward, saw her cross initially cleared, and then fought through three defenders to slot home and complete her hat trick.
The goals took her season tally to 11, adding to the eight goals and eight assists she registered during the regular campaign.
She was substituted in the 66th minute to a standing ovation from home fans, replaced by Sarah Stratigakis.
Montreal’s Tanya Boychuk pulled one back in the 74th minute, but Lauren Rowe restored Toronto’s three-goal cushion ten minutes from time as snow fell across the field.
The match, originally scheduled for Sunday, was postponed by a day due to heavy snowfall in Toronto.
Okoronkwo Earns CAF Women’s Player of the Year Nomination
Her heroics came just weeks after being nominated for the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, a remarkable recognition for a player who has battled back from two ACL injuries that could have ended her career.
Reacting to the nomination, she wrote on social media:
“Can’t believe it. I feel like crying right now. Y’all don’t understand, after two ACL surgeries.”
Her comeback story has inspired countless young athletes across Nigeria and beyond. Should she win, Okoronkwo would join an elite list of Nigerian greats, including Asisat Oshoala, who have dominated African women’s football.
“We Want to Defend Our Crown” Okoronkwo on WAFCON Ambition
Speaking after her CAF nomination, Okoronkwo reaffirmed her commitment to helping the Super Falcons defend their WAFCON title in Morocco next year.
“We’re not going there to not want to win … We want to defend our crown for sure.”
Nigeria will be seeking their 10th continental title when the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off from March 17 to April 3, 2026, in Morocco.
Toronto to Face Vancouver Rise in NSL Final
The result booked AFC Toronto’s place in the inaugural Northern Super League Championship Final, where they will face Vancouver Rise at BMO Field on Saturday.
Vancouver advanced after edging Ottawa 5–4 on penalties following a thrilling 3–3 aggregate draw.
Toronto, the regular-season champions, now stand on the brink of a historic domestic double, a fitting reward for an extraordinary debut campaign.
