Super Falcons of Nigeria defender, Michelle Alozie has expressed her excitement ahead of the Super Falcons’ upcoming international friendly matches against arch-rivals, the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon, which will signal the start of the team’s final preparations for the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco from July 5 to 26.
Alozie, who plays for Houston Dash in the USA, said she’s thrilled to reunite with her national teammates and train in Ogun State for the first time. “I am excited for the upcoming training camp and to be back with the Super Falcons; it’s my first time in Ogun State! Everyone is looking forward to the Women’s AFCON and that is our main focus,” she said. “The way we are treated has changed in the past few years, for the better, especially with our continued success over the years. I’m happy to see the steady change as women’s sports across the world continue to achieve and fight for more equality.”
Alozie was part of the Falcons squad at the 2022 WAFCON in Morocco and impressed at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where Nigeria exited in the Round of 16 without losing in regulation time.
She will be among the first group of players to arrive at the team’s camp in Ijebu-Ode on Monday, alongside captain Rasheedat Ajibade, forward Omorinsola Babajide, and midfielder Jennifer Echegini. The team’s first training session will take place at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, where they’ll also host the first of two friendlies against Cameroon on Saturday, May 31. The second match is scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.
More arrivals on Monday include midfielders Toni Payne, Deborah Abiodun, Ifeoma Onumonu, and defenders Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, Rofiat Imuran, Shukurat Oladipo, Sikiratu Isah, Blessing Ilivieda, as well as goalkeepers Linda Jiwuaku and Morufa Ademola.
Midfielders Amarachi Odoma and Josephine Mathias, and forwards Francisca Ordega, Olamide Bolaji, Emem Essien, and former U-20 defender Miracle Usani will also check into camp Monday.
First-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is expected to arrive on Tuesday, while Portugal-based midfielder Christy Ucheibe will join the squad on Wednesday.
These friendlies serve as crucial tune-ups for the nine-time African champions, who are eyeing a record-extending 10th continental title in Morocco.
