ALOZIE: FALCONS LEARNT VALUABLE LESSONS FROM MALAWI DEFEAT

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By: Muftau Fatimo

Super Falcons defender Michelle Alozie has said the team took valuable lessons from their 3-2 defeat to Malawi, which contributed to their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia on Saturday.

Alozie was named Player of the Match after delivering an outstanding performance in the encounter, where the Falcons played with 10 women from the 40th minute following Tosin Demehin’s straight red card.

Despite being reduced to 10 players, the defending champions secured all three points through Asisat Oshoala’s early eighth-minute goal, keeping their title defence alive against a Zambian side seeking a second win of the tournament.

Speaking after receiving her award, Alozie acknowledged Zambia’s quality, describing them as a strong, fast and technically gifted team. She added that the experience from the loss to Malawi helped the Falcons adjust their approach.

“We knew Zambia is a really tough team. They are super fast, physical and very technical. We learned the lesson after playing against Malawi, so we knew we needed to drop the line,” Alozie said.

It was a hell of a game. Tosin played her heart out. It was unfortunate that she was shown a red card, but I’m glad we were able to come together with a player down and get the win.”

The victory moves Nigeria to three points from two matches and keeps them in the race for the quarter-finals.

Earlier, Malawi defeated Egypt 3-1 to move top of Group C with six points. Zambia remain second with three points, Nigeria are third with three, while Egypt are bottom without a point.

The standings mean Nigeria still have work to do, but the win has given them a route back into the tournament.

Nigeria must beat Egypt convincingly on Wednesday and hope the result in the simultaneous game between Malawi and Zambia also favours them.

The Super Falcons will cahope to continue their chase for an 11th continental title and also a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.