Nigeria dealt double suspension blow before Egypt WAFCON clash

Nigeria’s preparations for their decisive 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Group C match against Egypt have been disrupted by the suspension of defender Oluwatosin Demehin and midfielder Jennifer Echegini.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) disciplinary decisions mean both players will miss the Super Falcons’ final group-stage fixture after incidents during Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Zambia.

Nigeria revived their hopes of reaching the knockout stages with the hard-fought win, having opened their campaign with a 3-2 defeat by Malawi. However, the result came at a significant cost, with Demehin sent off and Echegini receiving a booking that triggered a one-match suspension.

Demehin was dismissed in the 40th minute after bringing down Zambia captain Barbra Banda as the forward attempted to break through on goal during a dangerous counter-attack. Nigeria were consequently forced to play with 10 players for more than 50 minutes.

Justin Madugu’s side responded by defending resolutely to preserve their narrow advantage until the final whistle. Demehin’s straight red card, however, automatically rules her out of the meeting with Egypt.

Echegini was cautioned during the second half. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder had already been booked earlier in the tournament, meaning CAF’s disciplinary regulations require her to serve a one-match suspension.

The absence of two regular first-team players leaves Madugu with important decisions to make in both defence and midfield as Nigeria pursue the victory they need to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Shukurat Oladipo is the apparent leading option to replace Demehin in central defence. The AS Roma defender is capable of operating in the middle and could line up alongside experienced centre-back Osinachi Ohale.

That combination may be particularly important with Ashleigh Plumptre already unavailable because of injury. Madugu could also consider moving Christy Ucheibe into a deeper defensive role, having used that approach for a period of the second half against Zambia when Nigeria were defending their lead with 10 players.

There are several possible solutions to Echegini’s absence. Halimatu Ayinde could return to the starting line-up and provide additional defensive strength in midfield alongside Ucheibe and Deborah Abiodun.

Alternatively, Toni Payne could be deployed in the more advanced role occupied by Echegini. Her dribbling, passing and vision could offer Nigeria a way to break down an Egypt side expected to defend deep.

Another attacking possibility is Omorinsola Babajide. Her pace and willingness to run directly at opponents could allow captain Rasheedat Ajibade to move into a more central creative position.

Nigeria’s disciplinary setbacks were not the only notable development after the Zambia match. Defender Michelle Alozie was selected for a routine random anti-doping test shortly after being named Woman of the Match, according to TheCable.

The Chicago Stars FC player completed the full 90 minutes and changed from right-back to left-back after Demehin’s dismissal. She made several important clearances, interceptions and tackles as Nigeria protected their one-goal lead while playing with a numerical disadvantage for more than half the match.

Because of the mandatory test, Alozie remained at the stadium after many of her team-mates had departed. She later confirmed that she had undergone the procedure but played down the significance of her individual award, instead highlighting the team’s determination and fighting spirit.

With two key players suspended and qualification still undecided, Madugu must now draw on the depth of his squad for the must-win encounter with Egypt.