Okoronkwo Marks Toronto Return With Assist in Win Over Montreal

Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo made an immediate impact on her return to club football, providing an assist in AFC Toronto’s 2-1 victory over Montreal Roses in the Canadian Northern Super League on Saturday, Sport360NG reports.

Fresh off helping Nigeria clinch a record-extending 10th WAFCON title in Morocco last month, Okoronkwo slotted seamlessly back into Toronto’s starting lineup, playing a key role as the league leaders strengthened their grip at the top of the table.

Nikayla Small opened the scoring for the hosts in the 24th minute, finishing neatly after latching onto Sarah Stratigakis’ perfectly timed through ball during a swift counterattack. Kaylee Hunter then doubled Toronto’s advantage in the 37th minute, unleashing a long-range strike for her ninth goal of the season after being set up by Okoronkwo’s clever chest layoff.

Montreal pulled one back in first-half stoppage time when Stephanie Hill converted a header from Latifah Abdu’s corner, but Toronto held firm to secure all three points.

The result leaves Toronto on 31 points from 16 matches, six points clear of second-placed Montreal, who still have a game in hand. Both sides have won twice in their head-to-head clashes this season, with a decisive final meeting scheduled for October 18 in Toronto.

Okoronkwo, who was one of Nigeria’s standout performers at WAFCON with seven assists and two goals, including a spot-kick in the final, has now carried her fine form into the club campaign.