Super Falcons midfielder Esther Okoronkwo has said Nigeria's slow start caused their surprising 3-2 loss to Malawi in their first Group C match at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The defending champions were seen as the favorites. But they were caught off guard by a determined Malawi team led by the Chawinga sisters, Temwa and Tabitha, who scored all three goals for the newcomers.
Temwa Chawinga netted two goals, while Tabitha added one more as Malawi celebrated a stunning win over Nigeria. The Super Falcons fought back with goals from Rasheedat Ajibade and substitute Uchenna Kanu but could not complete the comeback.
According to Daily Post on Wednesday, Okoronkwo reacted to the loss by saying Nigeria did not start the game with enough energy. She said the team needs to learn from this defeat before their next match.
Okoronkwo stated, “Next game we have to come back better. In this game, we came out a little flat.
“But it is what it is, we have to go back and learn our lesson and learn where we should fix and come back better in the next game.”
The midfielder also talked about the penalty appeal after she was fouled in the box. She felt the referee should have reviewed the decision but chose not to focus on it.
“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,” she added.
This result leaves the Super Falcons with a lot to do as they try to defend their WAFCON title. Okoronkwo emphasized that the team must step up and come back stronger in their next match.
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