Malawi loss a wake-up call, Super Falcons vow to improve against Zambia

Super Falcons midfielder Esther Okoronkwo has promised a much-improved performance against Zambia, vowing Nigeria will bounce back from their stunning 3-2 defeat to debutants Malawi in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

The defending champions were expected to secure a comfortable victory in Rabat, but Malawi's disciplined display and effective counter-attacks exploited Nigeria's defense. Sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga were instrumental in Malawi's win, capitalizing on long balls played behind the Nigerian backline. Despite late goals from Okoronkwo and Rasheedat Ajibade, Nigeria could not salvage a result.

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I think next game we’re going to come back; we have to come out better than we did. 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.

Okoronkwo acknowledged the team's lack of intensity in the opening match. "This game came out a little flat, but it is what it is," she stated. "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 briefly addressed a contentious penalty appeal, noting, "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."

The unexpected loss places significant pressure on Nigeria heading into their Saturday fixture against Zambia. The Copper Queens currently lead Group C after a dominant 6-0 victory over Egypt. A defeat for the Super Falcons in their next match would leave their qualification hopes hanging by a thread, with only a final group game against Egypt remaining.

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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.