Esther Okoronkwo dazzles in huge AFC Toronto win

Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo delivered a standout performance as AFC Toronto crushed Vancouver Rise 7-0 in the Northern Super League.

The 28-year-old, who was the matchwinner in last weekend’s victory over Halifax Tides, carried her fine form into this fixture with two goals and an assist.

Toronto wasted no time asserting dominance, winning a free kick just five minutes in after Kaylee Hunter was fouled. Okoronkwo stepped up and curled a superb effort over the wall into the net to open the scoring.

On the stroke of half-time, she turned provider, teeing up Hunter to double the advantage. Moments later, Sarah Rollins pounced at the near post from a corner to make it 3-0 before the break.

Four minutes into the second half, Sarah Stratigakis added a fourth, before Okoronkwo struck again with a clinical left-footed finish to extend the lead.

From there, Toronto were in cruise control, with Hunter grabbing her second of the game and substitute Jade Kovacevic rounding off the emphatic 7-0 win after replacing Okoronkwo in the 71st minute.

This victory now sees AFC Toronto qualify for the playoffs.

Up next for Okoronkwo and AFC Toronto is their first playoffs tie against Halifax Tides, where the Nigerian forward will look to build on her brace and assist today.