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Super Falcons attacking wingback Michelle Alozie has opened up about the incident during the game against England.
Nigeria went toe-to-toe with the reigning European champions but suffered a painful defeat during the penalty shootout after the game ended goalless in 90 minutes plus extra time.
Chelsea star Luren James was shown a straight red during the encounter after fouling Michelle Alozie and stamping on her ass in the 87th minute.
The referee initially gave the Lioness midfielder a yellow card, but after a VAR review, the card was upgraded to a red.
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11:01 - 07.08.2023
Ashleigh Plumptre: Super Falcons defender reveals why she chose Nigeria over England
Leicester star Ashleigh Plumptre has opened up on her decision to dump the Lioness of England for the Super Falcons of Nigeria.
However, Nigeria could not capitalise on the one-man advantage as the game went on to extra time and penalties, where England emerged 4-2 winners.
Michelle Alozie reacts to attack by Lauren James
The Super Falcons star who plies her trade in the US with Houston Dash said she is fine despite the stamp by Lauren James, and she holds no grudge against her.
However, she added that Lauren James’ reaction to the tackle was unnecessary and that she was initially confused and did not know what was happening.
"It was good for us. James is a really good player. And nullifying her was really big for us. We didn’t want her to move freely and get those shots off that she usually does. It was good for us to have her taken out of the game.
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21:18 - 07.08.2023
ANALYSIS Super Falcons: Halimatu Ayinde frustrated Lauren James, but Nigeria could not benefit from her man-marking masterclass
Randy Waldrum deployed Halimatu Ayinde in a committed role to neuter the in-form Lauren James, and it worked, with the vexed England forward’s 87th-minute dismissal leaving the Three Lionesses shorthanded. Not taking advantage was disappointing for the Super Falcons.
"I was a little bit surprised by her reaction to the tackle. I don’t think it was really needed. I’m fine, my butt is fine from her stepping on it! I was kind of confused initially. I didn’t understand what was going on at first. There’s no hard feelings, it’s just a game," Alozie said.
The Houston Dash star also called for respect for Lauren James, insisting that football is a game of passion and emotions.
Lauren James locks her comment section on Instagram
Back home, Nigerian fans trolled Lauren James after she red-carded against Nigeria. Social media trolls also attacked the 21-year-old England midfielder.
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10:23 - 07.08.2023
Lauren James: Nigerians, fans troll Chelsea star for 'dumb' stamp on Super Falcons' Alozie
After her brilliant outing against China, England's Lauren James had a game to forget against Nigeria Super Falcons in the round of 16.
The barrage of attacks online made Lauren James turn off the comments section of her posts on social media.
However, some Chelsea fans in Nigeria have pleaded with Nigerians to forgive the Lioness midfielder for her attack on Alozie.
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