Okoronkwo hat-trick blitz propels AFC Toronto into NSL final

AFC Toronto secured their spot in the inaugural Northern Super League (NSL) Championship final on Tuesday night, cruising to a dominant 4–1 victory over Montreal Roses in the second semifinal at York Lions Stadium, completing a resounding 6–1 aggregate win.

The star of the show was Nigerian international Esther Okoronkwo, whose scintillating first-half hat-trick extinguished any flicker of hope for the Montreal side early in the contest.

Having already secured a 2–0 advantage in the first leg, regular-season champions Toronto started with intensity, and Okoronkwo wasted no time in making her mark. The forward broke the deadlock just seven minutes into play, expertly guiding a pass from Kaylee Hunter into the back of the net.

The 28-year-old doubled her tally fourteen minutes later with a moment of individual brilliance, burying a spectacular direct free-kick into the near post, capitalising on a momentary lapse in the Roses’ communication.

Esther Okoronkwo’s First-Half Masterclass Seals Toronto’s Final Berth

Okoronkwo completed her historic treble in the 27th minute, recovering possession after her initial pass was blocked before weaving past three defenders to slot home. The phenomenal effort etched her name into the NSL record books for the fastest hat-trick in league history.

Montreal Roses managed to pull one goal back through Tanya Boychuk with a quarter of an hour left, but AFC Toronto quickly responded. Lauren Rowe capitalised on a miscued clearance to volley the ball into the top corner, restoring the comprehensive three-goal cushion and sealing the 4–1 win.

The 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year nominee, Okoronkwo, was substituted in the 66th minute to a well-deserved standing ovation and was later presented with the Player of the Match award and the match ball.

AFC Toronto will now face Vancouver Rise FC in the highly anticipated NSL Championship Final at BMO Field on November 15.