Nigeria’s fan-preferred defender Michelle Alozie produced a shield masterclass to win the coveted Player of the Match award in the Super Falcons’ hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia’s Copper Queens on Saturday night.
The high-stakes Group C clash at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat claimed a win for head coach Justin Madugu’s side. After a thrilling 90 minutes of physical football, the win successfully revived Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the WAFCON 2026 quarterfinals.
While veteran forward Assisat Oshoala provided the early goalscoring spark, there was a shift in the value of Elogie’s pictures and the tactical flexibility that sponsored the group to victory.
alozie started the match in his preferred right back position, dealing with the Zambian wingers with absolute simplicity. But as the tactical needs shifted in the second half, Madugu redeployed the 29-year-old to left-back wing to shut down the Copper Queens’ counterattack threat.
Elozi adjusted seamlessly, made the necessary tackles, won aerial duels, and pushed forward to ease the pressure on Nigeria’s back line. Her ability to execute two formidable roles in one high-stress suit made her the undisputed choice for the match’s top individual honor.
