Nigerian international reflects on the team’s disappointing start to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo has admitted that Nigeria’s slow start played a significant role in the team’s surprise defeat to Malawi in their opening match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The defending African champions were beaten 3-2 by tournament debutants Malawi in a dramatic Group C encounter, despite entering the fixture as overwhelming favourites.
Malawi’s victory was inspired by sisters Temwa Chawinga and Tabitha Chawinga, with Temwa scoring twice and Tabitha adding another to hand the Southern Africans a famous win. Nigeria responded through Rasheedat Ajibade and substitute Uchenna Kanu, but the comeback fell short.
Okoronkwo Reflects on Nigeria’s Performance
Speaking after the match, Okoronkwo acknowledged that the Super Falcons failed to begin the contest with the intensity required at this level.
“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 lesson, identify where we need to improve and come back stronger in the next game,” she said.
The forward stressed that the team must quickly shift its focus to correcting the mistakes made against Malawi as they prepare for their next group fixture.
Nigerian Star Reacts to Penalty Incident
Okoronkwo also commented on a first-half challenge inside the penalty area that many Nigerian supporters believed warranted a spot-kick.
Although she felt the incident deserved further review, the 28-year-old chose not to dwell on the referee’s decision.
“I don’t know what the referee saw, but I think it should have been looked at. It is what it is. We didn’t get it, so I won’t complain about it,” she added.
Attention Turns to the Next Challenge
The defeat leaves the Super Falcons under pressure heading into their next Group C match, where they will be aiming to return to winning ways and strengthen their chances of progressing to the knockout stage.
For head coach Justine Madugu and his players, the focus will now be on responding positively and keeping alive Nigeria’s quest for another WAFCON title.