Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo produced a sensational first-half hat-trick to propel her club, AFC Toronto, into the inaugural Northern Super League championship match.

Her goals powered a 4-1 triumph over the Montreal Roses in Monday’s snow-blanketed semifinal at York Lions Stadium.

Okoronkwo, who had tallied eight goals and eight assists over 1,486 minutes during the regular season, carried her impressive form into the playoffs. The 28-year-old struck in the 7th, 20th, and 26th minutes, giving the regular-season champions a commanding lead and sealing a 6-1 aggregate victory over Montreal.

Lauren Rowe added Toronto’s fourth goal in the 83rd minute, while Tanya Boychuk scored Montreal’s lone goal in the 74th minute.

Fans and analysts lauded Okoronkwo’s performance on social media, calling her “Africa’s next big star” and recalling her decisive role in Nigeria’s run to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semifinals, where she scored three goals.

Earlier in September, she was named Nigeria’s Baller of the Week after contributing a hat-trick of goal involvements in Toronto’s 7-0 win over Vancouver Rise.

“It was a complete team effort. The work up top from Kaylee Hunter, alongside Esther, was incredible until she came off, and she also set up the first goal,” Toronto coach Marko Milanović said.

“As for Esther, we know her capabilities. She’s a clutch player who delivers in big moments — we saw that at the Africa Cup of Nations, and now again in this semifinal. We hope to see more of it in the final.”

Toronto had previously won the first leg 2-0 on Nov. 1 at Stade Boreale in Montreal, with goals from Small and Hunter.

They will now face Vancouver Rise in Saturday’s NSL Final at BMO Field. Vancouver advanced after defeating Ottawa 5-4 on penalties, following a 3-3 aggregate draw in their semifinal.

The second leg of the Toronto–Montreal tie was originally scheduled for Sunday but was postponed to Monday due to heavy snowfall in the Toronto area.