Nigeria's Michelle Alozie Shines in Super Falcons' Win, Undergoes Mandatory Drug Test

The Super Falcons of Nigeria secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Zambia in their second Group C match at the ongoing 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Saturday, August 1. Michelle Alozie, the team's defender, played a pivotal role in the win, earning her the Woman of the Match award for her outstanding defensive display. The 29-year-old, who plies her trade with Chicago Stars, started at right-back before switching to left-back following a tactical adjustment after Blessing Demehin was given the marching orders for denying Zambia captain Barbara Banda a clear goalscoring opportunity. Alozie's impressive performance, which included several key interceptions and clearances, helped limit Zambia to just two shots on target, thereby keeping Nigeria's hopes of reaching the knockout stage firmly on track. After the match, Alozie was subjected to a mandatory anti-doping test, a routine procedure that delayed her departure from the stadium. Despite being hailed as the hero of the match, Alozie was quick to deflect the praise, saying: 'Yes, that [the drug testing] is true, but 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.' The Super Falcons will face Egypt in their final Group C fixture on August 5, with a victory guaranteeing a place in the WAFCON quarter-finals.