Super Falcons striker Esther Okoronkwo made an immediate impact on her return to club duty, registering an assist in AFC Toronto’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over rivals Montreal Roses in the Northern Super League on Saturday.

Fresh from starring in Nigeria’s record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph in Morocco last month where she produced seven assists and scored two goals, including a decisive penalty in the final Okoronkwo slotted back into the Toronto lineup and wasted no time influencing the game.

Nikayla Small broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, finishing off a perfectly timed through ball from Sarah Stratigakis on the counterattack. Toronto doubled their lead in the 37th minute when Kaylee Hunter unleashed a stunning long-range strike, her ninth goal of the season, after a clever chest pass from Okoronkwo.

Montreal reduced the deficit just before half-time, with Stephanie Hill heading home from a Latifah Abdu corner. Despite mounting late pressure, the visitors were unable to find an equaliser.

The win consolidates Toronto’s position at the top of the NSL standings with 31 points from 16 matches, six points clear of second-placed Montreal, who have a game in hand. The sides have now split their season series at two wins apiece and will meet in a decisive final regular-season clash in Toronto on October 18.

Okoronkwo’s seamless transition from continental success back to club competition highlights her growing influence, both for the Super Falcons and in the Canadian league, as Toronto eye their first league title.