Nigeria midfielder, Esther Okoronkwo, has admitted the Super Falcons fell below their usual standards in Tuesday’s disappointing 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi in their opening Group C match at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat, Morocco.
The nine-time African champions were widely expected to begin their title defence with a victory but were undone by an inspired performance from Malawi, led by sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga.
Temwa scored twice while Tabitha added the other goal to hand the Scorchers a memorable victory.
Rasheedat Ajibade and substitute Uchenna Kanu found the net for Nigeria, but their efforts were not enough to prevent a shock defeat.
Speaking after the match, Okoronkwo acknowledged that the Super Falcons failed to hit top gear and stressed the need for the team to improve ahead of their next group fixture.
“In the 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, learn our lessons, address what needs fixing, and come back stronger in the next game,” Okoronkwo said.
The AFC Toronto midfielder also expressed disappointment after her penalty appeal was waved away, suggesting the incident merited a closer review by the match officials.
“I don’t know what the referee saw, but I think it should have been looked at. However, it is what it is—I didn’t get it, so I won’t talk or complain about it.”
