2023 FIFAWWC: Fans Favorite Michelle Alozie Focused On England Amidst Trends

2023 FIFAWWC: Fans Favorite Michelle Alozie Focused On England Amidst Trends

By Gbenga Gboyega

Houston Dash and Super Falcons' right-back, Michelle Chinwendu Alozie remains focused on the World Cup and the knockout clash against England on Monday amidst fanatism and trends back home in Nigeria, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The 26-year-old who made her senior debut for Nigeria on the 10th of June 2021 as a 65th-minute substitution in a 0–1 friendly loss to Jamaica, has been the rave of the moment both on the pitch and on digital platforms.

Just weeks into the FIFA Women's World Cup campaign in Australia and New Zealand, the dark-skinned defender who doubles as a medical scientist littered social media platforms as fans expressed their admiration for her game, aura, and presence.

Speaking to the media after today's training session in Brisbane, Alozie confirmed she's aware of the attention back at home but remains focused on the task at hand.

"It is pretty cool." She replied when quizzed on the attention she receives.  

"I don't really notice (the attention back home) because I am here for the World Cup, and also it is about me being a Nigerian and having pride, and bringing my passion and the fire into everything I do on and off the pitch."

Michelle has been a solid part of Waldrum's defensive structure that has kept two clean sheets in three games while conceding only twice, setting the best Super Falcons group stage statistics since 1991.

She explained that the team's momentum has been a critical factor in the team's performance.

"I always had faith in us, seeing we played some top teams before coming to the World Cup, and I think that momentum grew as we came into the group stage.

"Although we had the "Group of Death," I don't think that fazed us as we remained focused on each game as they came."

The Super Falcons of Nigeria finished as second-best in Group B behind co-host Australia, to book a Round of 16 clash against European champions - the Three Lionesses of England on Monday.

Michelle says the team expects nothing less than a battle, as they are ready warriors in their rights.

"It is going to be a difficult game. Although we have had tough opposition since the match against Canada, so, we expect nothing less.

"It is a knockout round, and that will require us all in our best we are ready to put up a battle and expect the same from the opponents and give everything we have."

A notable admiration by fans for the Super Falcon was her choice of double-colored boots, as Alozie confessed the star (male) behind the inspiration.

"I got my inspiration from Mario Balotelli. He is one of my favorite players as I watched him growing up, he did it (for the Italian team) in the 2014 World Cup (in Brazil), and I fancied it," she concluded.

Alozie will be hoping to help the team surpass the hurdle of the English team on Monday by 8:30 am Nigerian time at the Lang Park stadium in Brisbane.