Michelle Alozie was selected for a routine anti-doping test after earning the Woman of the Match award in Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Zambia at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Gatekeepers News reports that the 29-year-old defender played the entire match as the Super Falcons secured a crucial Group C win despite being reduced to 10 players following Blessing Demehin’s red card. Alozie made several crucial interceptions, tackles and clearances to help Nigeria contain Zambia’s attack, led by Barbara Banda, for more than 50 minutes with a numerical disadvantage.
Speaking after the game, Alozie confirmed she was taken for the mandatory random drug test but said the award reflected the team’s collective effort rather than her individual contribution.
“Yes, that is true,” she said of the drug test. “But I don’t really know if I deserve the Woman of the Match award. I think it was really a team effort, and we came out on top today.”
The defender started the match at right-back before switching to the left side after Nigeria adjusted its formation following Demehin’s dismissal. Her solid performance helped limit Zambia to only two shots on target.
The victory revived Nigeria’s campaign after the team’s opening defeat to Malawi and leaves the Super Falcons needing a positive result against Egypt in their final Group C match on August 5 to qualify for the quarter-finals.
