Nigerian Star Scores Decisive Goal in 3–2 Win Over Kansas City, But Toronto Exit Tournament.

Esther Okoronkwo

Nigeria forward Esther Okoronkwo delivered another commanding display for AFC Toronto at the World Sevens Football tournament in Fort Lauderdale, netting the winner in a thrilling 3–2 victory over Kansas City Current, though her side still bowed out of the competition, per Sportblits.com.

Okoronkwo’s Decisive Strike Seals Toronto’s Lone Win

The 28-year-old, who scored in Toronto’s opening 3–2 loss to Tigres, now has two goals in three games. Kansas City struck first through Alexandra Pfeiffer (5′), but Toronto responded swiftly.

Kaylee Hunter equalized in the 8th minute with an Okoronkwo assist, then unleashed a stunning long-range effort in the 12th to make it 2–1. Pfeiffer leveled again, but Okoronkwo thought she had restored the lead—only for the goal to be ruled out after the ball had gone out.

The breakthrough came in the 29th minute: Hunter raced down the flank and delivered a precise low cross. Okoronkwo timed her run perfectly and tapped in the winner. Toronto defended stoutly to secure their first victory.

Tournament Exit Despite Victory

Despite the win, AFC Toronto and Kansas City were eliminated after earning just one win from three group games:

  • Tigres UANL 3–2 Toronto (Okoronkwo, Nikki Small goals)
  • Toronto 2–2 Flamengo (lost on penalties)

Tigres and Flamengo, both on six points, advanced to the semifinals against Club America and San Diego Wave.

Okoronkwo’s Rising Global Profile

Recently ranked 98th in The Guardian’s 100 Best Female Footballers—the first from Canada’s Northern Super League to make the list—Okoronkwo ended the regular season with eight goals and seven assists.

She also starred in Nigeria’s AFCON qualifiers with two goals, six assists, and a Player of the Match award in a 3–2 win over Morocco.

Before the Sevens, she scored a first-half hat-trick in a 4–1 semifinal win over Montreal Roses, propelling Toronto to the Northern Super League final (which they lost).

About World Sevens Football

The World Sevens Football series features elite seven-a-side competitions. The Fort Lauderdale event is the second in 2025, following the inaugural tournament in Portugal (May), won by Bayern Munich over Manchester United.

Backed by five-year investment, it includes eight top global clubs in a fast-paced, high-intensity format.

Though AFC Toronto exit early, Esther Okoronkwo’s flair and finishing have once again put Nigerian talent—and the Northern Super League—firmly on the world stage.