2024 WAFCON final MVP Esther Okoronkwo, scored to help AFC Toronto extend their league lead in the Northern Super League, www.aclsports.com reports.
Okoronkwo’s decisive goal came in the 35th minute, evading her marker and squeezing the ball past the Halifax goalkeeper in a tight finish to give AFC Toronto a 1-0 win. The Super Falcons player had tested the keeper with a long-range strike earlier in the game. Although she was substituted in the 67th minute, her goal proved enough to secure all three points and maintain Toronto’s lead at the top of the Northern Super League standings.
In France, Nigerian midfielder Jennifer Echegini assisted Merveille Kanjinga’s 24th-minute opener as PSG took the lead against newly promoted RC Lens in their Arkema Première Ligue debut. Lens fought back and equalised in the 84th minute through Sherly Jeudy. Echegini was later booked and replaced in the 88th minute, while national team captain Rasheedat Ajibade made her PSG debut after coming on at the start of the second half.
Elsewhere, Nigeria left-back Rofiat Imuran featured for London City Lionesses in their Barclays Women’s Super League opener against Champions League holders Arsenal at the Emirates.
The visitors took the lead in the 17th minute via a penalty converted by Kosovare Asllani after Katie Reid’s foul. Imuran impressed defensively and going forward, but Arsenal responded with goals from Olivia Smith and Chloe Kelly before halftime, and substitutes Stina Blackstenius and Frida Maanum completed a 4-1 comeback. Imuran was replaced late due to a knock.
The weekend highlighted Nigerian talent abroad, with Okoronkwo, Echegini, Ajibade, and Imuran making their mark, and many more players still to feature.
