WAFCON 2026: Okoronkwo reacts to Super Falcons’ shock defeat to Malawi
Esther Okoronkwo
Super Falcons midfielder, Esther Okoronkwo, has urged Nigeria to learn from their shock 3-2 defeat to WAFCON debutants Malawi and return stronger in their next match.
The defending champions suffered a disappointing start to their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign on Tuesday, losing their opening Group C fixture to the tournament newcomers.
Nigeria struggled to contain Malawi’s Chawinga sisters, with Temwa scoring twice and captain Tabitha adding another to give the Scorchers a historic victory.
Rasheedat Ajibade and substitute Uchenna Kanu scored for Nigeria, but their goals were not enough to prevent the Super Falcons from suffering defeat.
Speaking after the match, Okoronkwo acknowledged that Nigeria failed to start the game at the required 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 and learn our lesson and learn where we should fix and come back better in the next game,” Okoronkwo said.
Okoronkwo was also involved in a penalty appeal after she was brought down inside the Malawi penalty area.
The midfielder said she was unsure why the referee did not award the spot-kick but chose not to dwell on the decision.
She said, “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.”
Nigeria will now look to recover from the defeat in their next Group C fixture as they continue their bid to defend the WAFCON title.
