Super Falcons’ preparations for their final Group C match against Egypt at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) have suffered a major setback after two key Nigerian stars were suspended by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Soccernet.ng reports.
Defender Oluwatosin Demehin and midfielder Jennifer Echegini will both miss the decisive group-stage encounter after disciplinary incidents during Nigeria’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia.
The Super Falcons bounced back from their opening 3-2 defeat to Malawi with a determined win over the Copper Queens, but the victory came at a cost as both players received punishments that automatically rule them out of the next game.
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Demehin’s afternoon ended early after she was shown a straight red card in the 40th minute. The centre-back brought down Zambia captain Barbra Banda as the striker threatened to race through on goal during a dangerous counter-attack. The dismissal forced Nigeria to play with 10 players for more than 50 minutes, but Justin Madugu’s side defended bravely to protect their slim lead until the final whistle.
Echegini also landed herself in trouble during the second half. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder received a yellow card, and because it was her second booking of the tournament, CAF’s disciplinary rules triggered an automatic one-match suspension.
The double suspension creates a major challenge for head coach Justin Madugu, who must reshuffle both his defence and midfield against Egypt as Nigeria chase qualification for the knockout rounds.
In central defence, Shukurat Oladipo appears to be the leading candidate to replace Demehin. The AS Roma defender is comfortable in the heart of defence and could partner veteran Osinachi Ohale, especially with Ashleigh Plumptre already unavailable because of injury.
Madugu could also push Christy Ucheibe deeper into defence, a tactical move that briefly worked during the second half against Zambia when Nigeria had to protect their lead with one player fewer.
Replacing Echegini in midfield offers several possibilities. Experienced midfielder Halimatu Ayinde could return to strengthen the middle of the park alongside Ucheibe and Deborah Abiodun, giving Nigeria greater defensive balance.
If Madugu wants more creativity, Toni Payne is well suited to Echegini’s advanced midfield role. Payne’s dribbling ability, vision and passing could help unlock an Egyptian defence expected to sit deep. Another attacking option is Omorinsola Babajide, whose pace and direct running would allow captain Rasheedat Ajibade to move into a more central playmaking role.
Apart from the suspensions, another Super Falcons star also attracted attention after the Zambia match.
Defender Michelle Alozie underwent a routine random anti-doping test shortly after being named Woman of the Match, according to TheCable. The Chicago Stars FC player delivered one of Nigeria’s best individual performances of the tournament, playing the full 90 minutes while switching from right-back to left-back following Demehin’s dismissal.
Alozie produced several important clearances, interceptions and tackles as Nigeria successfully defended their one-goal advantage despite playing with 10 women for over half the match.
The mandatory anti-doping procedure meant she remained at the stadium after many of her teammates had left. Speaking afterwards, Alozie confirmed she had undergone the test but remained modest about her performance. Instead of focusing on her individual award, she praised the team’s determination and fighting spirit in securing a crucial victory that kept Nigeria’s hopes of progressing alive.
With two first-team players suspended and qualification still on the line, Madugu must now rely on the depth of his squad as the Super Falcons prepare for a must-win showdown against Egypt.
Culled from Soccernet
