Some football enthusiasts in Aba have expressed disappointment over the Super Falcons’ 3-2 defeat to Malawi in their opening Group B match of the ongoing Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The debutants Malawi stunned the nine-time African champions 3-2 on Tuesday to record a memorable victory.
Some football enthusiasts who spoke with NAN on Wednesday attributed the defeat to complacency and urged the team to improve ahead of their remaining group matches.
Obialo Maduka, a grassroots football player, said the Super Falcons underestimated their opponents and paid the price.
“I feel disappointed but it is a good signal to them and for them to know that other African women national teams are growing in strength and size.
“One day, Nigeria will wake up and find out that another African women team has taken over the dominance.
“What pains me most is that the team lost to a tournament debutant. If they couldn’t overcome a newcomer, how will they fare against stronger sides like Zambia, Morocco, and the other top teams?” he questioned.
Also speaking, Ikechukwu Okoro, a trader, blamed the technical crew for the loss, saying modern football requires effective tactics, solid defending and the ability to convert scoring opportunities.
“How can you tell the world that the Africa’s best goalkeeper conceded three goals against a tournament debutant like Malawi.
“The team should quickly regroup and focus on winning the remaining group matches because expectations are always high for the Super Falcons,” he said.
Another respondent, Amarachi Uguru, said the players appeared to have underestimated Malawi before the encounter.
“I am disappointed by the result, but I still believe the team has what it takes to qualify for the knockout stage in spite of having Zambia in the group,” she said.
Zambia defeated Egypt 6-0 in the other Group B fixture to move to the top of the standings with three points, while Malawi are also on three points following their victory over Nigeria.
