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| Alozie celebrates with team-mate Ohale |
Super Falcons defender Michelle Alozie praised her team’s progress following their emphatic 5-0 quarter-final victory over Zambia, describing the match as physically demanding but reflective of the team’s ongoing development.
Speaking to Nigerian journalist Ademola Victor after the match, Alozie said, “It was a really good game. I felt great out there. Our teamwork was outstanding, and I think it clearly shows just how much we’re evolving as a team.”
“I’m nothing without the people in front of me, the people on the side of me, so being able to connect with them a little bit more today, defend solidly, and make some passes was everything, and I’m glad that I was able to contribute to a goal,” she said.
She also admitted the match took every ounce of energy as Nigeria successfully neutralised Zambia’s potent attacking threat.
“I’m very tired. That was a very tasking game. They have an amazing front three, and so to be able to kind of shut them down was going to take every energy, every ounce of energy,” Alozie said.
“I was basically crawling at the end of the game, and so that’s all due to Zambia. They’re a really great side, so we were just able to perform today and put goals away.”
The comprehensive victory represented a significant improvement from Nigeria’s underwhelming group stage displays, where they managed just four goals in three matches despite topping their group with seven points, a Punch report noted.
It adds that the Super Falcons’ set-piece prowess proved decisive against the Copper Queens, with three of their five goals coming from dead-ball situations. The 28-year-old highlighted the importance of capitalising on their height advantage over most African teams.
“We knew that set piece was definitely going to be an important component, especially since we have a high difference with Zambia and most African teams, and so we know that we have to make sure we put those away, and we did today,” Alozie added.
The performance against Zambia demonstrated that Nigeria’s ‘Mission X’ campaign remains firmly on track as they target a record-extending 10th continental title and their first triumph since 2018.
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