Nigeria vs Cameroon: Super Falcons star Alozie reveals plans for Indomitable Lionesses friendly

Versatile defender Michelle Alozie has expressed her enthusiasm ahead of the Super Falcons’ double-header friendlies against long-time rivals, the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon.

The fixtures will serve as the first phase of Nigeria’s preparations for the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) set to take place in Morocco from July 5th to 26th.

Alozie, who plies her trade with Houston Dash in the United States, shared her excitement about returning to the national setup and visiting Ogun State for the first time as part of the team’s training camp.

“I am excited for the upcoming training camp and to be back with the Super Falcons; it’s my first time in Ogun State!” Alozie said.

She said, “Everyone is looking forward to the Women AFCON and that is our main focus.”

The U.S.-based defender highlighted the positive strides in women’s football in Nigeria, acknowledging the improved conditions and recognition the team has enjoyed in recent years.

“The way we are treated has changed in the past few years, for the better, especially with our continued success over the years.

“I am happy to see the steady change as women’s sports across the world continue to achieve and fight for more equality,” she noted.

Alozie was a key figure in Nigeria’s impressive run at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where the Super Falcons reached the Round of 16 without losing a game in regulation time.

She also featured in the last edition of WAFCON, also hosted by Morocco, where Nigeria narrowly missed out on the final after a dramatic semi-final clash.

With less than two months to go before the tournament kicks off, Nigeria is stepping up its preparations with a focus on reclaiming its dominance on the African stage.

The friendlies against Cameroon are expected to be fiercely contested, offering both teams a chance to fine-tune tactics and test new talents ahead of the continental showdown.

The Super Falcons will kick off their final phase of preparations for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a training camp set to open in Ijebu-Ode on Monday, May 27.

Among the first players expected to arrive are U.S.-based defender Michelle Alozie, team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Spain-based forward Omorinsola Babajide, and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Jennifer Echegini.

The team will begin training sessions at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, where they will face their archrivals, the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon, in the first of two highly anticipated international friendlies on Saturday, May 31.

These matches are important for the nine-time African champions as they fine-tune their squad and tactics ahead of the 13th WAFCON tournament, which takes place in Morocco from July 5 to 26.

The second fixture between the two West African powerhouses will be held at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta on Tuesday, June 3.