
Women's AFCON: Esther Okoronkwo in super-sub mode
In just 45 minutes, the 27-year-old striker lit up her flank. Powerful, mobile, constantly moving between the lines, she stretched the Tunisian defence, opened spaces, drew fouls, and delivered a perfect assist to Chinwendu Ihezuo for Nigeria's third goal in the 84th minute. She may not have scored, but she gave the Nigerian attack its bite.
"It doesn't matter where I start — what matters is the impact I have on the game," she said in the mixed zone, smiling broadly in a soaked shirt, her eyes still shining with adrenaline.
An atypical profile, maximum efficiency
From her very first touch, Okoronkwo imposed a new tempo. She dropped deep, linked play, and kept things simple. She gave the team breathing space and forced Tunisia to reorganize defensively. In the 73rd minute, she was the architect of another major chance: a driving run down the left, a pinpoint cut-back, and Uchenna Kanu finished without hesitation.
"That's what I expect from her," Madugu said at the post-match press conference. "She doesn't need to score to be important. She reads the game well, anticipates the right movements, and creates opportunities."
Statistically, her impact was clear. In one half, she touched the ball 24 times, completed 88% of her passes, won three fouls, created two clear chances, and recorded an assist. Her energetic display was in stark contrast to Oshoala's more static presence, despite the latter's goal.
"What I like about Esther is her adaptability. She can play as a lone striker, out wide, or in a supporting role. She never complains, she works hard, and when she comes on, she always makes an impact," said Super Falcons veteran Ngozi Okobi.
Proof of her influence? She walked away with the TotalEnergies Player of the Match trophy — a rare honor for a substitute, and one that was thoroughly deserved. On Sunday evening, there was no debate.
Desire Oparanozie's view: "She changed the game"
Watching from the stands, former Super Falcons striker Desire Oparanozie didn't miss a moment of Okoronkwo's performance — and was full of praise.
"For me, she was the woman of the match. When she came on, we went from a disjointed front three to a real collective. She drops deep, she takes on defenders, she creates space for others. She changed the game — and didn't even need to score."
The former Guingamp player, well-versed in the centre-forward role, highlighted one key detail: her movement off the ball.
"Her runs between the lines were damaging. She pulled two defenders with her, which opened space for Ijamilusi and Ihezuo. You might not see it clearly on TV, but on the pitch, it's obvious."
With performances like this, Esther Okoronkwo might soon disrupt the pecking order. And if she keeps starting on the bench, it might simply be because no one knows how to come off it better.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


CAF
21 hours ago
- CAF
Women's AFCON: Esther Okoronkwo in super-sub mode
This is what you call making an entrance. At the break, Nigeria led Tunisia 2-0 at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca but had yet to fully convince. The score flattered them; control was patchy. Asisat Oshoala — a goal scorer but still lacking rhythm — stayed in the locker room for the second half. Coach Justin Madugu brought on Esther Okoronkwo, a change that, quietly but decisively, shifted the momentum of the match. In just 45 minutes, the 27-year-old striker lit up her flank. Powerful, mobile, constantly moving between the lines, she stretched the Tunisian defence, opened spaces, drew fouls, and delivered a perfect assist to Chinwendu Ihezuo for Nigeria's third goal in the 84th minute. She may not have scored, but she gave the Nigerian attack its bite. "It doesn't matter where I start — what matters is the impact I have on the game," she said in the mixed zone, smiling broadly in a soaked shirt, her eyes still shining with adrenaline. An atypical profile, maximum efficiency From her very first touch, Okoronkwo imposed a new tempo. She dropped deep, linked play, and kept things simple. She gave the team breathing space and forced Tunisia to reorganize defensively. In the 73rd minute, she was the architect of another major chance: a driving run down the left, a pinpoint cut-back, and Uchenna Kanu finished without hesitation. "That's what I expect from her," Madugu said at the post-match press conference. "She doesn't need to score to be important. She reads the game well, anticipates the right movements, and creates opportunities." Statistically, her impact was clear. In one half, she touched the ball 24 times, completed 88% of her passes, won three fouls, created two clear chances, and recorded an assist. Her energetic display was in stark contrast to Oshoala's more static presence, despite the latter's goal. "What I like about Esther is her adaptability. She can play as a lone striker, out wide, or in a supporting role. She never complains, she works hard, and when she comes on, she always makes an impact," said Super Falcons veteran Ngozi Okobi. Proof of her influence? She walked away with the TotalEnergies Player of the Match trophy — a rare honor for a substitute, and one that was thoroughly deserved. On Sunday evening, there was no debate. Desire Oparanozie's view: "She changed the game" Watching from the stands, former Super Falcons striker Desire Oparanozie didn't miss a moment of Okoronkwo's performance — and was full of praise. "For me, she was the woman of the match. When she came on, we went from a disjointed front three to a real collective. She drops deep, she takes on defenders, she creates space for others. She changed the game — and didn't even need to score." The former Guingamp player, well-versed in the centre-forward role, highlighted one key detail: her movement off the ball. "Her runs between the lines were damaging. She pulled two defenders with her, which opened space for Ijamilusi and Ihezuo. You might not see it clearly on TV, but on the pitch, it's obvious." With performances like this, Esther Okoronkwo might soon disrupt the pecking order. And if she keeps starting on the bench, it might simply be because no one knows how to come off it better.


CAF
21 hours ago
- CAF
Karchouni's early strike secures Algeria's opening win over Botswana (1)
Algeria kicked off their TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2024 with a narrow but vital 1-0 victory over Botswana in their Group B opener, thanks to an early strike from Inter Milan midfielder Ghoutia Karchouni. The match, played at the Père Jégo on Stadium night, saw Algeria take control from the outset. Early goals continue to be the order of the tournament so far, as the North Africans broke the deadlock in just the 10th minute when Inès Boutaleb delivered a precise cut-back from the right flank, which Karchouni calmly slotted home to hand the North Africans the lead. Despite the early goal, Botswana showed resilience and created opportunities of their own, registering 10 shots with three on target. However, Algeria's defence held firm, and goalkeeper Chaima Bouheni made crucial saves to preserve the lead. Algeria, who looked firmly in control of much of the proceedings, enjoyed the better attacking statistics overall, finishing with 14 total shots and seven on target. They kept the Botswana defence under constant pressure but were unable to extend their advantage. As the match entered its final minutes, Botswana pushed for an equaliser, but Algeria's organised backline and timely interventions ensured they claimed all three points. The win sees Algeria make an encouraging start to Group B, while Botswana will be left ruing missed chances but can take positives from a competitive performance against one of the group's favourites. Botswana will need to put the disappointment behind them when they face the Super Falcons on Thursday, while Algeria will look to continue with their form when they take on Tunisia.


CAF
a day ago
- CAF
WAFCON – Nigeria-Tunisia: The Eagles' Momentum Against the Green Wall
In the setting sun of Casablanca, the Larbi Zaouli stadium is preparing to host a Group B opening clash brimming with history and revenge. This Sunday (5 p.m. local time), Nigeria, the nine-time record African champions, kick off their campaign against Tunisia, a team undergoing a major overhaul but refusing to approach this match as the underdog. Nigeria, the perennial favourite who want to reclaim their crown With nine continental titles in 12 editions, the Super Falcons continue to advance with the glorious weight of their record. But while the numbers speak for themselves—176 goals scored in 61 WAFCON matches, 45 wins, and only seven losses—yesterday's certainties have given way to more nuanced signals. Indeed, the Nigerians have lost their last two opening matches at the WAFCON, each time against South Africa (1-0 in 2018, 2-1 in 2022). They have not won their opening match since 2016. And while their dominance against North African opposition is clear (25 goals scored, only one conceded in six matches), their last head-to-head encounter with Tunisia in 2008, ended in a 0-0 draw. A memory that is still vivid for both sides. Despite this, coach Justin Madugu remains calm: "This squad is prepared to go all the way. There is a collective dynamic, depth in every position, and key players like Rasheedat Ajibade who can turn a match around." The Atlético Madrid player embodies this new Nigerian generation that combines experience and explosiveness. "We know that every tournament is a new challenge. We respect Tunisia, but we are aiming for the top," she says with a smile. Tunisia, a quiet ambition For Tunisia, the equation is simple: do better than in 2022 when the team reached the quarterfinals for the first time in their history. Since then, the Tunisian Football Federation has implemented a fundamental reform. "We are in phase B of a five-year project aimed at structuring the women's national teams from U15 to A," explains coach Kamel Saada. "This squad has been renewed with an experienced foundation of talent but also a lot of youth." Facing the Nigerian giants, the Carthage Eagles want to offer something other than a low block and timid counterattacks. "We have our tactical skills. We do not come as underdogs. We want to get a result," insists Saada. Sabrine Ellouzi, the team's attacking leader and top scorer in qualifying with seven goals, shares the same determination: "This WAFCON is different. In 2022, it was a discovery. Today, we know what to expect. There is more maturity, more camaraderie." Ellouzi perfectly embodies this renewal. Both an instinctive striker and the conductor of a dressing room under reconstruction, she also cultivates another passion: cooking. "Publishing a cookbook is like scoring a goal. You have to work as a team, just like on the pitch," she says humorously. A personal touch for a team seeking to forge a strong identity, combining rigor and freedom. A Duel of Formations and Vision of the Game Beyond the pitch, this encounter is also the fruit of two schools of thought. "We share a lot with the Nigerian staff, particularly a training program focused on technical development," notes Kamel Saada. "But our Tunisian uniqueness is tactical discipline." In reality, Tunisia should offer a midfield with a desire to emerge cleanly. Nigeria, for their part, will certainly impose a high tempo, relying on the verticality and impact of their wingers. If the Super Falcons open the scoring early, the match could get heated. If the Tunisians hold out for an hour, doubts could set in. Ajibade warns: "We shall have to be patient, clear-headed and efficient. We want to start this WAFCON on a solid footing." This Sunday, these two teams face their destinies. For Nigeria, it is an opportunity to reassert their dominance. For Tunisia, it is an opportunity to shake up the hierarchy.