WAFCON: Slow Start Cost us Against Malawi, Okoronkwo Admits
Last update: July 29, 2026
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The defending champions were stunned by debutants Malawi, and one Super Falcons midfielder says she knows exactly where it went wrong.
It was not the start the Super Falcons wanted, and Esther Okoronkwo is not making excuses.
Cbinews.tv reports that the Super Falcons midfielder 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 went into the game as clear favourites but were floored by a fearless Malawi side inspired by the Chawinga sisters. Temwa Chawinga scored twice and her sister Tabitha added the third to seal a historic win for the debutants.
Nigeria did fight back with goals from Rasheedat Ajibade and substitute Uchenna Kanu, but the comeback just fell short.
Reacting to the result, as cited by cbinews.tv, Okoronkwo admitted the team lacked intensity from the first whistle and said they must learn quickly ahead of their next game.
She also spoke about the penalty appeal after she was brought down inside the box, saying she felt the decision should have been reviewed, but she did not want to dwell on it.
The defeat leaves the Super Falcons with work to do in their WAFCON title defense, with Okoronkwo insisting the team must improve and come back stronger.
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