Super Falcons striker Esther Okoronkwo marked her return to club action with an assist in AFC Toronto’s 2-1 win over Montreal Roses in the Northern Super League on Saturday.
Fresh from helping Nigeria clinch a record-extending 10th WAFCON title in Morocco last month — where she registered seven assists and two goals — Okoronkwo slotted straight back into the starting lineup, playing a key role as Toronto extended their lead at the top of the table.
Nikayla Small opened the scoring in the 24th minute, finishing off Sarah Stratigakis’ perfectly weighted through ball on the counterattack. Thirteen minutes later, Kaylee Hunter doubled the advantage with a stunning long-range strike — her ninth of the season — after a clever chest lay-off from Okoronkwo.
Montreal pulled one back in first-half stoppage time when Stephanie Hill headed in Latifah Abdu’s corner, but Toronto held firm to secure all three points.
The victory moves Toronto to 31 points from 16 matches, six clear of Montreal, who have a game in hand. Both teams have now won twice in their four meetings this season, with a decisive final clash scheduled for October 18 in Toronto.