Super Falcons defender Michelle Alozie was subjected to a mandatory anti-doping test after Nigeria’s narrow 1-0 win against Zambia in their second Group C match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on August 1. The 29-year-old player confirmed her selection for the random drug test, which delayed her exit from the stadium.
Alozie showcased a remarkable performance, playing the entire match and earning the Woman of the Match award for her strong defensive display. Nigeria managed to secure the victory despite facing the challenge of playing with 10 players for over half the game, following a red card issued to Blessing Demehin for denying a clear scoring opportunity to Zambia captain Barbara Banda.
Initially positioned as a right-back, Alozie later shifted to left-back due to tactical changes. Her key interceptions and clearances were instrumental in limiting Zambia to just two shots on target, keeping Nigeria’s hopes alive for a spot in the knockout stage.
While recognizing her individual accolade, Alozie attributed the team’s success to a collective effort, especially after their previous setback against Malawi, which ended in a 3-2 loss. “I don’t really know if I really deserve the man of the match award. I think it was really a team effort, and we really came out on top today,” Alozie stated.
Nigeria’s next challenge will be against Egypt on August 5, where a win is essential for securing advancement to the WAFCON quarter-finals.
