The Super Falcons left their opening game stunned following a shocking defeat to tournament debutants Malawi after arriving at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations carrying the burden of expectation.

The media exploded with doubts over whether Africa’s most successful women’s football team had finally lost its aura.

Questions followed. Critics grew louder.

Then came Zambia.

Against one of the continent’s most feared attacking sides and reduced to 10 players for more than half of the match, Nigeria produced the type of gritty, never-say-die performance that has defined generations of Super Falcons.

Leading that resistance was defender Michelle Alozie, whose outstanding display earned her the Woman of the Match award after helping Nigeria secure a priceless 1-0 victory that revived their title defence.

After the final whistle, however, the defender made one thing clear this victory belonged to the entire team.

 

 

‘It Was So Exhausting’ – Michelle Alozie

The Super Falcons were pushed to their limits by a Zambian attack featuring African stars Barbra Banda, Rachael Kundananji and Prisca Chilufya.

Alozie admitted the encounter demanded everything Nigeria had.

“It was so exhausting. Um, all props to Zambia.”

“Obviously they have Barb and Rachel and Prisca and they’re definitely really fast.”

The defender explained that containing such dangerous attackers required complete concentration and collective commitment from every player on the pitch.

 

 

‘Don’t Count Us Out’ – Michelle Alozie

Nigeria’s WAFCON campaign had been thrown into uncertainty following the painful 3-2 defeat to Malawi.

Another setback against Zambia could have left the defending champions on the brink of a historic…