Super Falcons Star Okoronkwo’s Hat-Trick Fires Toronto Into NSL Final

Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo produced a dazzling first-half hat-trick to power AFC Toronto into the inaugural Northern Super League (NSL) final, sealing a 4–1 win over Montreal Roses in Monday’s snow-swept semifinal at York Lions Stadium.

The 28-year-old, who tallied eight goals and eight assists in the regular season, struck in the 7th, 20th, and 26th minutes, giving Toronto total control and completing a 6–1 aggregate victory over Montreal.

Lauren Rowe added Toronto’s fourth in the 83rd minute, while Tanya Boychuk grabbed a consolation for the visitors in the 74th.

‘A Big-Time Player Who Delivers’

Toronto head coach Marko Milanović hailed Okoronkwo’s performance and praised the team’s chemistry up front.

“It was a complete team effort. The work from Kaylee Hunter alongside Esther was incredible — she even set up that first goal,” Milanović said.
“As for Esther, we know what she’s capable of. She’s a big-time player who always delivers in big moments — we saw it at the Africa Cup of Nations, and now again in this semifinal.”

Fans Celebrate Another Hat-Trick Heroic

Fans and pundits flooded social media with praise, calling Okoronkwo “Africa’s next big star.” Many drew parallels to her stellar performances at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where she scored three goals in Nigeria’s run to the semifinals.

Earlier in September, the forward was named Nigeria’s Baller of the Week after her three goal contributions in Toronto’s 7–0 thrashing of Vancouver Rise.

Final Showdown Awaits

Toronto, who had earlier won the first leg 2–0 in Montreal, will now face Vancouver Rise in the NSL Championship Final at BMO Field on Saturday.

Vancouver booked their spot after a dramatic 5–4 penalty shootout victory over Ottawa, following a 3–3 aggregate draw.

The Toronto–Montreal second leg, originally set for Sunday, was postponed to Monday due to heavy snowfall across the city.