Super Falcons midfielder Esther Okoronkwo has attributed Nigeria’s shocking 3-2 defeat to debutants Malawi in their opening Group C match at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to the team’s sluggish start.
The defending champions were tipped as favourites going into the encounter but were stunned by an inspired Malawi side led by sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga, who accounted for all three goals.
Temwa Chawinga netted a brace, while Tabitha added the third to hand the tournament debutants a famous victory. Nigeria fought back through Rasheedat Ajibade and substitute Uchenna Kanu, but their late rally was not enough to avoid defeat.
Speaking after the match, Okoronkwo admitted the Super Falcons failed to begin the game with the required intensity and stressed the need for the team to bounce back stronger in their next outing.
“Next game we have to come back better. In this game, we came out a little flat,” she said.
“But it is what it is. We have to go back, learn our lesson, identify where we need to improve, and come back better in the next game.”
The midfielder also reacted to a penalty appeal after she was brought down inside the box, saying she believed the incident deserved a review but refused to dwell on the referee’s decision.
“I don’t know what the referee saw, but I think it should have been looked at. But it is what it is. I didn’t get it, so I won’t talk about it or complain about it,” Okoronkwo added.
The defeat leaves Nigeria with work to do in their bid to retain the WAFCON title, with Okoronkwo insisting the Super Falcons must learn from the setback and deliver an improved performance in their next Group C fixture.
