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Esther Okoronkwo Hat-Trick Fires AFC Toronto Into NSL Championship Final
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
AFC Toronto booked their place in the maiden Northern Super League (NSL) Championship Final in emphatic style, overpowering Montreal Roses FC 4–1 (6–1 on aggregate) in a snow-swept semifinal clash at York Lions Stadium.
Leading the charge was Nigeria forward Esther Okoronkwo, who produced a sensational first-half hat-trick to put the contest beyond Montreal’s reach.
The 28-year-old Nigerian opened the scoring within minutes of kickoff, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to slot home the opener.
She doubled Toronto’s lead soon after with a composed finish, before completing her treble in the 30th minute — a display of pace, power, and precision that left the visitors stunned.
Okoronkwo’s feat etched her name into the record books as the scorer of the fastest hat-trick in NSL history.
After the restart, Lauren Rowe added a fourth for the home side with a crisp strike, while Tanya Boychuk netted a late consolation for Montreal Roses.
With the result, AFC Toronto — crowned regular-season champions — continued their dream campaign and now turn their focus to the NSL Grand Final.
They will face Vancouver Rise FC at BMO Field on November 15, after Vancouver edged Ottawa City in a dramatic 5–4 penalty shootout following a 3–3 aggregate draw.
Toronto will now aim to complete a historic double — league and championship — with Okoronkwo’s blistering form providing a huge boost ahead of the title decider.
