Super Falcons midfielder Esther Okoronkwo. Photo: Super Eagles
Super Falcons midfielder Esther Okoronkwo has blamed Nigeria’s slow start for their shock 3-2 defeat to debutants Malawi in their opening Group C fixture at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The defending champions entered the match as favourites. Still, they were stunned by a spirited Malawi side led by the Chawinga sisters, Temwa and Tabitha, who scored all three goals for the debutants.
Temwa Chawinga scored twice, while Tabitha added another goal as Malawi secured a memorable victory over Nigeria. The Super Falcons responded with goals from Rasheedat Ajibade and substitute Uchenna Kanu but were unable to complete the comeback.
According to Daily Post on Wednesday, reacting to the result, Okoronkwo admitted that Nigeria did not begin the game with the required intensity and said the team must learn from the defeat ahead of their next fixture.
