By The Canadian Press

Nigerian star forward Esther Okoronkwo extends contract with NSL’s AFC Toronto

Jan 15, 2026 | 8:46 AM

TORONTO — AFC Toronto has extended the contract of Nigerian star forward Esther Okoronkwo and three others.

Okoronkwo, who helped Nigeria to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title last July, is now under contract with the Northern Super League club through 2027. She was named player of the match after scoring a goal and adding two assists in Nigeria’s 3-2 comeback win over Morocco in the final.

Okoronkwo teamed up with teenage Canadian forward Kaylee Hunter as Toronto led the league with 42 goals.

The 28-year-old Nigerian had eight goals and 11 assists in 1,643 minutes played as Toronto topped the NSL’s inaugural regular-season standings at 16-6-3 and made it to the championship game where it lost 2-1 to Vancouver.

Also getting contract extensions are Canadian midfielder Zoe Burns and forwards Kaila Novak and Lauren Rowe. Novak’s contract runs through 2026 while Burns’ and Rowe’s deals run through 2027.

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Toronto now has 20 players under contract.

AFC Toronto Roster

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.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 15, 2026.

The Canadian Press