Esther Okoronkwo etched her name into the history books as she fired AFC Toronto to their first home victory in the newly launched Canadian Northern Super League (NSL) with a brace in a 2-1 triumph over Calgary FC.
Okoronkwo’s Double Delight: A Heroine Emerges
The 27-year-old forward lit up the Toronto home crowd with a composed finish in the 25th minute, connecting smartly with a one-two pass before slotting home from inside the box. She wasn’t done yet.
In the 54th minute, Okoronkwo unleashed a spectacular long-range strike that rocketed into the top corner, leaving the Calgary goalkeeper rooted and the crowd in raptures.
Though Calgary FC pulled one back in the 85th minute, it was too little too late, as Toronto held on for a memorable first home win of the season.
A Historic First for Club and Country
By netting twice, Okoronkwo became the first-ever player to score at home for AFC Toronto in NSL history—and she did it in style.
The former Costa Adeje Tenerife star, who joined the Canadian outfit ahead of the league’s inaugural season, is quickly making her presence felt.
Nigerians Making Waves in Canada
Okoronkwo is one of only two Nigerian players currently featuring in the Canadian Northern Super League, alongside veteran Ngozi Okobi-Ekeoghene, her compatriot and fellow Super Falcons midfielder.
NSL: A New Dawn for Canadian Women’s Football
Launched in 2025, the Northern Super League marks Canada’s first fully professional women’s league, aiming to provide a platform for elite talent across the country and beyond.
Saturday’s match at Toronto’s home ground was a showcase of that ambition—with Okoronkwo at the heart of it.
AFC Toronto will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures, with Okoronkwo quickly emerging as a potential golden boot contender.
