AFC Toronto has recently extended the contracts of Nigerian standout forward Esther Okoronkwo and three additional players. Okoronkwo, instrumental in Nigeria’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations victory last July, has secured her position with the Northern Super League team until 2027. Notably, she was awarded the player of the match title for her pivotal role in Nigeria’s 3-2 triumph over Morocco in the final, contributing a goal and two assists.
In collaboration with young Canadian forward Kaylee Hunter, Okoronkwo bolstered Toronto’s offensive prowess, propelling the team to the league’s top spot with 42 goals. The 28-year-old Nigerian showcased remarkable performance with eight goals and 11 assists in 1,643 minutes of play, guiding Toronto to an impressive 16-6-3 record in the inaugural NSL regular season. Despite reaching the championship game, Toronto narrowly lost 2-1 to Vancouver.
Apart from Okoronkwo, Canadian midfielder Zoe Burns, and forwards Kaila Novak and Lauren Rowe have also been granted contract extensions. Novak’s contract extends to 2026, while Burns and Rowe are secured until 2027. With these new extensions, AFC Toronto now boasts a roster of 20 players.
Below is the current roster of AFC Toronto:
– Goalkeepers: Sofia Manner (Finland), Sierra Cota-Yarde (Toronto), Danielle Krzyzaniak (Caledon, Ont.)
– Defenders: Croix Soto (U.S.), Kaela Hansen (Burnaby, B.C.), Sarah Rollins (Toronto), Zoe Burns (U.S./Canada), Ashley Cathro (Victoria), Victoria Pickett (Barrie, Ont.)
– Midfielders: April Lantaigne (Whitby, Ont.), Nikayla Small (Pickering, Ont.), Samantha Chang (Mississauga, Ont.), Sarah Stratigakis (Toronto), Nyota Katembo (Montreal), Cloey Uddenberg (Richmond Hill, Ont.), Colby Barnett (U.S.)
– Forwards: Kaila Novak (London, Ont.), Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria), Kaylee Hunter (Calgary), Lauren Rowe (Conception Bay South, N.L.)