Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo has committed her future to AFC Toronto, signing a contract extension that will keep her at the Canadian club until 2027. The deal comes on the back of a remarkable debut campaign in the Northern Super League (NSL), where she established herself as one of the competition’s standout performers.
AFC Toronto confirmed the extension on Thursday via their official social media platforms, highlighting Okoronkwo’s importance to the club’s long-term vision.
“Our Super Falcons star is here to stay. Esther Okoronkwo’s vision, power, and finishing have been game-changing,” the club stated. “We’re excited to have her signed through to 2027.”
Instant Impact in a Historic First Season
Okoronkwo joined AFC Toronto in February 2025 ahead of the club’s inaugural NSL season and wasted no time making her presence felt. The 29-year-old striker quickly emerged as one of the league’s defining figures, combining goals, creativity, and leadership in the final third.
She finished the 2025 regular season with eight goals and seven assists before producing her most decisive moment in the playoffs: a stunning hat trick that propelled Toronto into the NSL Championship Final.
Her influence extended well beyond goalscoring. Okoronkwo ended the regular season as the league’s top assist provider and was deservedly named in the NSL Team of the Season, capping a dominant all-round campaign.
Playoff Push and Narrow Final Defeat
Under head coach Marko Milanović, AFC Toronto topped the regular-season standings, with Okoronkwo central to their attacking identity and fluid style of play.
Toronto’s title charge ultimately fell just short, as they suffered a narrow 2–1 defeat to Vancouver Rise FC in the Championship Final. Despite the disappointment, Okoronkwo’s overall contribution remained exceptional, as she recorded eight goals and 11 assists in 20 league appearances across all competitions.
WAFCON Glory with Nigeria
Okoronkwo’s outstanding club form was mirrored on the international stage. She played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph, contributing two goals and seven assists during the tournament.
Her standout performance came in the final against Morocco, where she delivered a goal and two assists in a commanding display that earned her the Player of the Match award and underlined her importance to the Super Falcons setup.
Toronto Secures a Key Figure
Alongside Okoronkwo’s extension, AFC Toronto also announced new contracts for Zoe Burns, Kaila Novak, and Lauren Rowe, all of whom are now tied to the club through at least the 2026–27 season. The move reflects the club’s clear intention to build continuity and sustain momentum after an impressive debut year.
With Esther Okoronkwo now committed until 2027, AFC Toronto retains one of the NSL’s most influential attackers as they look to turn early promise into silverware. After setting the standard in the league’s inaugural season, expectations will be even higher when the 2026 campaign begins, and Toronto are clearly backing the Super Falcons star to lead the charge.
