Esther Okoronkwo, a midfielder for the Super Falcons, addressed the team’s unexpected 3-2 loss against newcomers Malawi during Tuesday’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations match. Despite entering the Group C opener as heavy favorites, the reigning champions suffered a defeat. The Nigerian defense struggled to stop siblings Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga, who accounted for all three of Malawi’s goals.
Temwa Chawinga secured two goals, while her sister Tabitha added another. Rasheedat Ajibade and Uchenna Kanu scored the goals for Nigeria. Reflecting on the performance, Okoronkwo admitted the squad began the match without enough energy. She emphasized the need for the team to analyze their errors and improve before their next outing.
Regarding a missed penalty call when she was fouled in the box, Okoronkwo opted not to dwell on the officiating decision. She stated that while she believed the situation warranted a review, she chose to accept the referee’s judgment without further complaint.
