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Esther Okoronkwo Scores Winner as Toronto Beat Kansas City

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Esther Okoronkwo

Esther Okoronkwo scores the decisive goal as AFC Toronto beats Kansas City 3–2 at the World Sevens Football tournament in Fort Lauderdale

Nigerian forward Esther Okoronkwo scored the decisive goal as AFC Toronto secured a 3–2 victory over Kansas City Current in the World Sevens Football tournament, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

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Also read: Okoronkwo hat-trick sends Toronto to NSL final

The 28-year-old striker, who had previously scored in Toronto’s opening defeat to Tigres, now has two goals in three matches for the Canadian side.

Kansas City initially took the lead through Alexandra Pfeiffer in the fifth minute, but Toronto responded swiftly.

Kaylee Hunter equalised in the eighth minute with an assist from Okoronkwo and then scored a stunning long-range strike four minutes later to give Toronto a 2–1 lead. Pfeiffer levelled the score again for Kansas City at 2–2, stalling Toronto’s momentum.

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Okoronkwo appeared to restore Toronto’s advantage shortly afterwards, but the goal was disallowed due to the ball going out of play.

The winning moment came in the 29th minute when Hunter delivered a low cross from the flank, allowing Okoronkwo to tap home the winner.

Toronto defended resolutely to maintain the lead and secure their first victory of the tournament.

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Despite the win, Toronto and Kansas City were eliminated after the group stage, each recording just one victory from three matches.

Toronto had previously lost 3–2 to Mexico’s Tigres, despite goals from Okoronkwo and Nikki Small, and drew 2–2 with Flamengo before losing on penalties.

Tigres UANL and Flamengo advanced to the semifinals against Club America and San Diego Wave respectively.

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Okoronkwo, ranked 98th globally in The Guardian’s best player list, recently became the first player from Canada’s Northern Super League to feature on the ranking.

She ended the regular season with eight goals and seven assists and capped her AFCON campaign with two goals, six assists, and a player-of-the-match performance in Nigeria’s 3–2 victory over Morocco.

The World Sevens Football series features eight professional seven-a-side clubs from across the globe.

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The Fort Lauderdale edition is the second tournament of 2025, following the inaugural event in Portugal, which Bayern Munich won against Manchester United.

Also read: Esther Okoronkwo Snubbed in CAF Women’s Player Award

The series has secured five years of investment and continues to attract top international clubs.

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Liverpool Releases Moving Biography Honouring Diogo Jota

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Liverpool Diogo Jota biography, Forever in Our Hearts, celebrates the late forward’s life, career and legacy, with profits funding grassroots football

Liverpool Football Club have released a new biography celebrating the life and legacy of former forward Diogo Jota, with all profits from the book set to support a grassroots football programme being established in his name through the LFC Foundation.

Also read: PRP Rejects Bauchi’s Proposed N298bn Loan

Titled ‘Forever in Our Hearts’, the biography was written by Portuguese author and former professional footballer José Delgado and published by Reach Sport. Liverpool announced the release on Thursday, October 22, 2026, through a post on the club’s official X account.

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The book traces Jota’s journey from his early years in Portugal to his rise as one of his generation’s respected forwards and a much-loved member of the Liverpool football family.

Drawing on interviews with family members, friends, teammates and coaches, the biography offers a personal account of the footballer’s character, professional achievements and relationships beyond the pitch.

Contributors include Jota’s wife, Rute, his parents, Isabel and Joaquim, and former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, alongside more than 90 other people who knew him throughout his life and career.

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Their recollections highlight Jota’s determination, humility and commitment to football, while exploring the personal qualities that earned him affection among teammates, supporters and colleagues.

The biography also celebrates the close bond between Jota and his brother, André Silva, reflecting on the impact both men had on those around them and the wider football community.

Jota enjoyed significant success during his career, winning the Premier League with Liverpool and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal.

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His performances, work ethic and contribution to the teams he represented helped establish his reputation in European football.

However, ‘Forever in Our Hearts’ also confronts the tragedy of July 2025, when Jota and André died, leaving family members, friends, teammates and supporters mourning their loss.

Delgado said the project began as an effort to preserve Jota’s memory during a period of profound sadness, with a commitment to presenting an honest and respectful account of the lives of both brothers.

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“My commitment throughout was to tell his story with care, honesty and respect for Diogo, André, and the family and friends who loved them,” Delgado said.

The author added that the willingness of those closest to the brothers to share their memories had helped capture their personalities and the depth of affection they inspired.

Reflecting on Jota’s relationship with Liverpool, Delgado said the accounts gathered during his research revealed qualities extending beyond his footballing ability, including humility, dedication and personal character.

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He expressed hope that the biography would provide a lasting tribute while inspiring future generations of footballers.

The book is available through official Liverpool FC stores and online, with proceeds directed towards the grassroots football programme being developed in Jota’s name through the LFC Foundation.

The release forms part of Liverpool’s continuing efforts to honour the forward and his brother. Earlier in 2026, the club unveiled a permanent memorial outside Anfield, giving supporters a dedicated place to remember the brothers and reflect on their legacy.

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Through the biography and the planned community football initiative, Liverpool is seeking to ensure that Jota’s influence endures beyond his playing career, helping create opportunities for young people to participate in the sport he loved.

Also read: PRP Rejects Bauchi’s Proposed N298bn Loan

The project combines remembrance with a practical commitment to grassroots development, offering a way for Jota’s passion for football to continue benefiting future generations.

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