Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo provided a crucial assist as AFC Toronto staged a late comeback to defeat Montreal Roses 2–1 and clinch the inaugural Northern Super League (NSL) Supporters’ Shield on Sunday.
Montreal took an early lead in the 10th minute through Alexandria Hess, but Toronto drew level late in the first half when Sarah Stratigakis converted from a precise Lauren Rowe cross.
With the game finely poised at 1–1, Okoronkwo produced a moment of brilliance in the 86th minute showing strength and composure to hold off her marker before setting up Nikayla Small, who fired home the winner to seal a historic triumph for Toronto.
The assist — Okoronkwo’s seventh of the regular season — confirmed her as the NSL’s top assist provider. The Nigerian international, recently nominated for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, will be eyeing a third major title when the NSL playoffs begin in November, having already lifted the WAFCON trophy and now the Supporters’ Shield.
“It feels really amazing,” Okoronkwo said after the match. “We’ve worked so hard from the start of the season, and to see our dream become reality is truly special.”
AFC Toronto ended the regular season as league leaders with 16 wins, six losses, and three draws, and will now shift focus to the upcoming NSL playoffs.
