Follow Us on Google
Super Falcons defender Michelle Alozie underwent a mandatory anti-doping test after delivering a match-winning performance that earned her the Woman of the Match award in Nigeria’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The random drug test was conducted immediately after Saturday’s Group C encounter, with the 29-year-old confirming to journalists that she was selected for routine doping control following the match.
The post-match procedure meant Alozie remained at the stadium long after her teammates had departed, but the defender insisted it was part of the standard process and shifted attention away from her individual recognition to the collective effort that secured Nigeria’s first win of the tournament.
“Yes, that [the drug testing] is true,” Alozie said. “But I don’t really know if I really deserve the Woman of the Match award.”
The Chicago Stars defender produced one of her finest performances in national colours, playing the full 90 minutes and helping Nigeria preserve a clean sheet despite being reduced to 10 players for more than 50 minutes.
Initially deployed at right-back, Alozie switched to the left side of defence following the dismissal of central defender Blessing Demehin, who received a red card for denying Zambia captain Barbara Banda a clear goalscoring opportunity.
The defensive reshuffle did little to unsettle the Super Falcons, with Alozie making a series of crucial interceptions, clearances and recoveries that restricted Zambia to only two shots on target despite sustained pressure from the Copper Queens.
The victory marked a significant response from the Nigerian side after their disappointing 3-2 defeat to Malawi in the opening group game and revived their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage.
Despite widespread praise for her display, Alozie credited the entire squad for the result rather than her individual contribution.
“I think it was really a team effort, and we really came out on top today,” she added.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to a decisive Group C encounter against Egypt on August 5, where a victory would secure qualification for the quarter-finals as the Super Falcons continue their quest for another continental title.
