Chicago Stars defender Michelle Alozie was drug tested after being named woman of the match in Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Zambia at WAFCON 2026, keeping knockout hopes alive.

Michelle Alozie was called in for doping control shortly after helping the Super Falcons of Nigeria beat Zambia 1-0 in their second Group C fixture at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON 2026, on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters once the match had ended, the 29-year-old defender confirmed that she had been selected for mandatory random doping testing.

Alozie Voted Woman Of The Match For Defensive Masterclass

Alozie featured for the full 90 minutes and was named woman of the match after a commanding defensive display that helped Nigeria keep a clean sheet, even while playing more than 50 minutes with ten players following Blessing Demehin’s dismissal. Demehin was sent off for denying Barbara Banda a clear goalscoring chance.

Primarily a right back for club side Chicago Stars, Alozie was shifted to left back as part of a tactical switch during the game. She produced a string of interceptions and clearances that restricted Zambia to just two shots on target, keeping Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage intact.

Test Kept Her At The Stadium Long After Her Teammates Left

The doping procedure meant Alozie remained at the venue well after her teammates had departed. Even so, she was reluctant to take individual credit for the result, instead pointing to the squad’s improved showing following their surprise 3-2 loss to Malawi.

“Yes, that [the drug testing] is true,” she started, “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,” Alozie added.

Nigeria will close out the group stage against Egypt on August 5, with a win needed to confirm their place in the quarter-finals.