Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) have received a major lift after Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo made her first competitive appearance since recovering from injury.
The Nigerian attacker returned to action on Sunday when AFC Toronto defeated Vancouver Rise FC 3-1 in a Northern Super League regular-season match at Swangard Stadium in Canada.
Although Okoronkwo started on the bench, her introduction in the 65th minute signalled an important milestone after spending almost six weeks out with a meniscus tear and a hamstring injury. She came on just three minutes after Lauren Rowe had restored Toronto’s lead.
Toronto eventually secured all three points thanks to Rowe’s outstanding display and a late goal from Kaylee Hunter.
The visitors had gone ahead in the 35th minute after Rowe’s dangerous cross forced Vancouver defender Jessika Cowart into an own goal. Vancouver replied quickly through Anais Oularbi three minutes later to make it 1-1 before halftime.
Rowe then scored herself in the 63rd minute after racing onto a long pass from Logan Manner before firing home at the near post. Hunter completed the victory deep into stoppage time with a clinical finish in the 90+2nd minute.
Toronto finished with 12 shots compared to Vancouver’s seven and won eight corners while their hosts managed only three. Although Vancouver enjoyed 58 percent possession, Toronto were more dangerous in attack.
The victory lifted AFC Toronto to fourth place in the six-team Northern Super League with 12 points from eight matches, opening a two-point gap over fifth-placed Vancouver in the race for the final playoff position. Toronto and bottom club Calgary Wild also have a game in hand over the rest of the league.
Perfect timing ahead of WAFCON
Okoronkwo’s return could hardly have come at a better time for Nigeria. The Super Falcons are preparing for the 2026 WAFCON, which begins on July 25 in Morocco, leaving the forward with around four weeks to regain full match fitness before the tournament.
She had been out since suffering a meniscus tear and hamstring injury against Halifax Tides FC in early May, forcing her off in the 39th minute. The setback ruled her out of five league matches and Nigeria’s international friendlies against Senegal.
Her recovery gathered pace after she resumed full training in mid-June. Confirming her return on Instagram, Okoronkwo posted the message: “Back on my feet, mission en route,” as she focused on helping both AFC Toronto and the Super Falcons.
Before her injury, Toronto had won one and drawn one of their opening two league games. During her absence, they managed only one victory, alongside two draws and two defeats, a pointer to how important she has become to the team’s attack.
Super Falcons counting on tournament hero again
Okoronkwo heads into WAFCON 2026 carrying huge expectations after producing one of the greatest individual performances in the competition’s recent history.
After missing the 2022 tournament with an ACL injury, she inspired Nigeria to a record-extending 10th African title at WAFCON 2024, played in Morocco in July 2025.
She featured in all six matches, scoring twice and providing six assists, the highest assist total at the tournament. Her eight goal contributions earned her the Fans’ Player of the Tournament award as well as two Woman of the Match honours.
Her greatest performance came in the dramatic final against hosts Morocco in Rabat. With Nigeria trailing 2-0 at halftime, Okoronkwo sparked an unforgettable comeback.
She calmly converted a penalty to reduce the deficit, then assisted Folashade Ijamilusi for the equaliser before delivering the decisive set-piece that Jennifer Echegini converted for the dramatic 3-2 winning goal.
Her contribution of one goal and two assists in the final earned her the official Woman of the Match award and sealed her spot among the Super Falcons’ modern greats.
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