Nigeria’s Super Falcons suffered a surprising defeat in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) opening match on Tuesday, losing 3-2 to tournament debutants Malawi in their Group C encounter.
The defending champions, who were regarded as favourites ahead of the game, struggled to contain Malawi’s impressive sister duo, Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga. Temwa scored twice, while Tabitha added another goal to complete a memorable upset for the debutants.
Nigeria found the back of the net through Rasheedat Ajibade and substitute Uchenna Kanu, but their efforts were not enough to secure at least a point from the match.
Reflecting on the unexpected defeat, Super Falcons midfielder Esther Okoronkwo admitted that the team had a slow start and needed to improve ahead of their next fixture.
”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 after the match.
Speaking on the controversial penalty decision after she was brought down inside the box, Okoronkwo chose to focus on the team’s next challenge rather than dwell on the incident.
“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.”