Super Falcons’ midfielder, Esther Okoronkwo has attributed Nigeria’s shock 3-2 loss to Malawi to the team’s slow start and a controversial penalty decision that went against the defending champions.
The Super Falcons were reported to have suffered a disappointing loss to WAFCON debutants Malawi in their Group C opener on Tuesday, despite going into the encounter as overwhelming favourites.
Nigeria struggled to contain Malawi’s dangerous sisters, Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga who took advantage of the lapses in the Falcons’ defence.
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Temwa scored twice and Tabitha added Malawi’s third goal as the debutants stunned the nine-time African champions.
Nigeria got goals from Rasheedat Ajibade and substitute Uchenna Kanu but it was not enough to stop the Falcons from suffering an early setback in their title defence.
‘We Came Out A Little Flat’ – Okoronkwo
Okoronkwo, speaking after the match, admitted that Nigeria did not start the game with the intensity needed against a resolute Malawi side.
The midfielder said the Falcons need to quickly move on from the defeat, identify their mistakes and return stronger in their next match.
“Next game, we gotta be better. “In this game, we came out a little flat,” Okoronkwo said.
