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Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo has been backed to excel at the first North American edition of World Sevens Football, taking place this weekend in Florida, Footynaija.com reports.
Toronto coach Marko Milanovic believes the seven-a-side format – featuring a smaller pitch, unlimited rolling substitutions and no offside – is ideal for the Nigerian striker.
“Esther will love it, I’m sure,” he said.
Okoronkwo joins AFC Toronto’s 16-player squad travelling to Florida after the club’s painful 2–1 defeat to Vancouver Rise in the Northern Super League final on 15 November.
Toronto dominated the match, outshooting Vancouver and creating more chances, but conceded twice in the second half. The loss has been difficult for Okoronkwo, who earlier won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria.
The tournament features eight teams competing for US$5 million in prize money, including Mexico’s Club América and Tigres Femenil, Brazil’s Flamengo, Colombia’s Deportivo Cali, Uruguay’s Nacional, and NWSL sides Kansas City Current and San Diego Wave.
Toronto open Group 1 play against Tigres before facing Flamengo and Kansas City. The top two teams progress to Sunday’s semifinals at Beyond Bancard Field in Davie, Florida.
World Sevens Football has quickly built a strong reputation. Bayern Munich won the inaugural edition in Portugal in May, defeating Manchester United 2–1 in the final. The tournament, co-founded by U.S. philanthropist Jennifer Mackesy, requires clubs to share part of their prize money with staff and players.
With Okoronkwo’s pace and finishing suited to the no-offside format, Toronto are optimistic ahead of the high-tempo competition.
