Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo says Nigeria will come back stronger when they meet Zambia in their second Group C match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The Falcons need a win on Saturday after a disappointing 3-2 loss to debutants Malawi on Tuesday.
Nigeria was expected to easily defeat Malawi in Rabat. Head coach Justine Madugu selected his best available players. But the Scorchers played well and hit the Super Falcons on the break with sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, whose speed took advantage of long balls behind the Nigerian defence.
Okoronkwo and Rasheedat Ajibade scored late goals, but they were not enough to change the outcome.
After the defeat, Okoronkwo said the team did not play with enough intensity. She promised that they would improve in their next match.
"I think next game we’re going to come back; we have to come out better than we did," she stated.
"This game came out a little flat, but it is what it is. We learned, we’re going to go back and learn our lesson and fix where we need to, so we can come back better in the next game."
She also mentioned a controversial penalty appeal during the match but chose not to focus on the referee's decisions.
"I don’t know what the referee saw, but I think it definitely should have been looked at. Still, it is what it is. I didn’t get it, so I’m not going to complain about it," Okoronkwo added.
The result puts the 10-time African champions in a tough spot as they prepare for Saturday’s clash with Zambia. The Copper Queens beat Egypt 6-0 in the other Group C match on Tuesday, putting them at the top of the group.
If Nigeria loses to Zambia, their chances of qualifying will be very slim before their final group match against Egypt.
Drop your comment
No comments yet — be the first to drop the gist 👇