WAFCON: Okoronkwo faults slow start for Super Falcons’ Malawi loss

Super Falcons midfielder Esther Okoronkwo has pointed to a sluggish start as the primary reason for Nigeria's surprising 3-2 loss to debutants Malawi in their opening Group C match at the ongoing Women's Africa Cup of Nations. The Nigerian team, considered favorites, was stunned by a determined Malawian side, spearheaded by the Chawinga sisters, who scored all three goals for their team.

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Next game we have to come back better. In this game, we came out a little flat.

Temwa Chawinga netted twice, and Tabitha Chawinga added another, securing a memorable victory for Malawi. Although the Super Falcons managed to score through Rasheedat Ajibade and substitute Uchenna Kanu, their comeback attempt fell short. Okoronkwo admitted that Nigeria did not begin the game with the necessary intensity.

"Next game we have to come back better. In this game, we came out a little flat," Okoronkwo stated, reflecting on the performance. "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."

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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 commented on a penalty appeal after she was fouled inside the box, suggesting the decision warranted review but chose not to dwell 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. The result places significant pressure on the Super Falcons as they continue their title defense, with Okoronkwo stressing the team's imperative to improve and return stronger in their subsequent matches.

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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.