Super Falcons defender Mitchelle Alozie has hailed Nigeria’s fighting spirit after the defending champions secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia, admitting the players had to dig deep to protect their slender advantage after being reduced to 10 women.
Alozie, who was named Woman of the Match following her outstanding display, played a pivotal role as the Super Falcons bounced back from their opening defeat to Malawi to revive their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign.
Speaking after the match, the defender described the contest as one of the toughest the team has faced, praising Zambia for their quality and relentless attacking threat.
“It was a very exhausting game. Zambia have quality players, and they made life very difficult for us, but we stayed together, defended as a team and fought until the final whistle,” Alozie said.
The Super Falcons survived sustained second-half pressure despite playing with 10 players following Tosin Demehin’s first-half dismissal, with Alozie producing a commanding performance at the heart of Nigeria’s defensive effort.
The defender also appealed to supporters to remain patient and continue backing the team despite its mixed start to the tournament.
“We understand why the fans are concerned because it wasn’t the start we wanted, but we ask them to keep supporting us. We’ll continue responding positively to every challenge that comes our way,” she added.
Alozie also dismissed suggestions that criticism on social media has affected the squad, insisting the players have instead used the platforms to strengthen their bond off the pitch.
“Social media isn’t a distraction for us. It’s actually one of the ways we connect, build team chemistry and keep everyone together,” she explained.
Nigeria’s victory over Zambia has put the 10-time African champions back in control of their qualification hopes ahead of their final Group C fixture against Egypt on Wednesday, where a positive result would seal a place in the quarter-finals and keep alive their pursuit of a record-extending 11th WAFCON title.
