February 24, 2025...AFC Toronto Signs Nigerian International Esther Okoronkwo (from AFC Toronto news release)
AFC Toronto Signs Nigerian International Esther Okoronkwo
Forward brings FIFA Women’s World Cup and Olympic experience to club’s attack
Toronto, ON (February 24, 2025) - AFC Toronto is delighted to announce the signing of Nigerian
forward Esther Okoronkwo. The 27-year-old arrives for her next chapter in Toronto after spending
the 2024 season playing in the Chinese Women’s Super League with Changchun Dazhong.
Okoronkwo started her professional career in France with AS Saint-Étienne, before moving to the
Canary Islands and playing for UDG Tenerife in Spain’s Liga F. The talented forward also brings
valuable international experience to AFC Toronto after featuring on the biggest stages, including
the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympics.
Image: Esther Okoronkwo poses during a media session for the Nigerian national team.
Credit: Image provided by player.
“We are delighted to welcome a player of Esther’s quality to Toronto. She is a player we identified
and tracked for some time, and we believe she has all the necessary attributes to be a genuine
difference-maker,” said Billy Wilson, AFC Toronto Sporting Director. “Most comfortable as a centre
forward, Esther’s technical and physical qualities allow her to occupy various positions, which she
has demonstrated on the highest stages. She is a fantastic addition to our roster and I am sure our
supporters will relish the opportunity to watch her represent the city during this new chapter.”
Alongside her club career in Europe, Okoronkwo has impressed for the Nigerian Women’s
National Team following her debut in 2021. The left-footed forward scored her first international
goal to earn a crucial 1-0 away victory against Ivory Coast and help the Super Falcons qualify for
the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Such influence on the international stage didn’t stop
there, either.
At the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Okoronkwo helped the team reach the Round of 16. She
notably came off the bench twice in the group stage, helping Nigeria hold Canada to a 0-0 draw
and beat Australia 3-2. Additionally, she was selected to play at the 2024 Paris Olympics where
Nigeria faced Brazil, Spain and Japan in the group stage.
"I’m so thrilled to join AFC Toronto for the inaugural Northern Super League season and to have
the opportunity to play in Canada. It’s really exciting to be part of something historic,” said
Okoronkwo on joining the club. “I’m looking forward to discovering the city, but most of all, I can’t
wait to help AFC Toronto score goals and push the club to the top of the standings!”
Additional photos (left to right):
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Esther Okoronkwo pictured on the pitch during a game for French club AS Saint.Étienne.
Credit: Image provided by player.
Esther Okoronkwo (left) dribbles the ball away from Kheira Hamraoui of Paris Saint.Germain during
a game for French club AS Saint-Étienne.
Credit: Image provided by player
Supporters will have the first opportunity to watch Okoronkwo and the entire AFC Toronto squad in
action during the club’s first ever-match at BMO Field on April 19.
To keep up with AFC Toronto’s exciting updates, register for the club newsletter and follow AFC
Toronto on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok.
About AFC Toronto
AFC Toronto is a founding club in the new Canadian professional women’s soccer league, the
Northern Super League. The club is gearing up to deliver a top-tier experience for players, staff,
and supporters in spring 2025. AFC Toronto is committed to uniting the community and inspiring
young women and girls to lead, develop, and excel. The club’s purpose is to not just build a
football club but to also create a platform for girls and women to achieve greatness on their terms.
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