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 having spent 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 Olympics.
 

“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
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 reach the Round of 16. She notably
entered 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!”