News
‘We Dug Deep for Nigeria’ — Woman of the Match Mitchelle Alozie Hails Super Falcons’ Heroic Zambia Victory
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.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has called for calm and unity amid the growing crisis within world football’s governing body, insisting that the FIFA presidential election in March 2027 should provide the appropriate platform for members to determine the organisation’s direction.
Speaking in Salzburg around the UEFA Super Cup, Motsepe said the current disagreements should not descend into prolonged internal conflict, urging all sides to respect FIFA’s electoral and governance processes.
Read Also: ‘Africa Must Protect Its Interests’ — CAF’s Lux September Speaks on FIFA Crisis | Sports247 Nigeria
FIFA’s 211 member associations are expected to decide the organisation’s leadership at the 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on March 18, 2027. Current president Gianni Infantino is seeking another term.
Motsepe maintained that the election should allow the various candidates and member associations to make their positions clear through the established democratic process rather than through continued public confrontation.
The CAF president also reiterated his support for Infantino, describing him as a leader who has shown commitment to African football.
“Gianni Infantino has been loyal to Africa and has shown a deep commitment to African development and growth.”
His comments come amid a major dispute over FIFA’s proposed Forward Enterprise, which involved plans for private investment in FIFA competitions and triggered strong opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF and other stakeholders. FIFA eventually abandoned the proposal after widespread criticism over transparency and the consultation process.
Motsepe said the current situation should instead encourage dialogue, cooperation and respect for due process.
Africa’s position could be particularly influential at the election because CAF’s 54 member associations represent the second-largest voting bloc in FIFA, behind UEFA’s 55.
With the FIFA presidential contest approaching, Motsepe’s position keeps CAF firmly aligned behind Infantino while other confederations continue to demand changes in FIFA’s leadership and governance.
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