Esther Okoronkwo has shared her thoughts after playing a decisive role in Nigeria’s 3-0 triumph over Tunisia in their opening game at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Footynaija.com reports.
Okoronkwo delivered a match-winning cameo off the bench, including providing the assist to Nigeria’s third goal, that earned her the Woman of the Match award.
Introduced as part of a triple substitution at the start of the second half, the striker wasted no time in stamping her mark on proceedings. Her well-timed assist for Chinwendu Ihezuo’s third goal sealed a commanding victory for the Super Falcons, who are seeking a record-extending WAFCON title.
Reflecting on the performance, Okoronkwo said:
“You know, it’s like the first game ever. So, you know, we’re just trying to like get the energy together, work together, and create as much as chances and opportunities that we can.
Obviously the goals are going to come, and they did come. But we just have to take the positive and, you know, go for the next game and then eventually get more goals.”
The result marked Nigeria’s first opening match win at the tournament since 2016, pushing them to the top of their group ahead of a crucial encounter with Botswana.
Okoronkwo also shared the message she received from interim head coach Justin Madugu before coming on:
“So before I went in, he told me that, you know, be prepared and help the team out there. They need me. And get the ball, try to lay off and find other teammates and, you know, play off, play together as a team, work together.”
With momentum now on their side, the Super Falcons will be eager to maintain their form as they target another deep run in Africa’s premier women’s football competition.