National Teams
“Hopefully in a few years, they can call me Dr Alozie” – Michelle Alozie
By Monsurah Olatunji
Michelle Alozie, a standout player for Nigeria’s Super Falcons, is also making strides off the pitch as a researcher aiming for breakthroughs in cancer treatments.
Since her debut in 2021, the 27-year-old has become a key player for the Nigerian national team, notably helping them reach the round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA World Cup.
Balancing her dual ambitions, Alozie has seamlessly integrated her love for football with her passion for medical research. A regular starter for both her club and country, she was named in the CAF Africa Women’s Best XI in December 2023.
Her commitment to both fields is evident as she juggles her roles as an athlete and a researcher at Texas Children’s Hospital, where she focuses on finding new treatments for childhood cancers, specifically acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
“At the end of the day, it’s a passion,” Alozie told ABC 13. “I’m fighting for this little girl inside of me who has always wanted to play soccer and has always wanted to be an awesome, cool doctor.”
Her work in the lab holds deep personal significance, especially in pediatric oncology. “It’s amazing to meet these young kids that I’m helping find a cure for their cancer,” she explained in an interview with FIFA. “It means everything to me. Childhood cancer isn’t something that is researched that much; being able to be part of that research is such a blessing.”
Balancing her dual careers hasn’t been easy, but Alozie finds fulfillment in both. “I think sometimes I might feel like I’m not doing enough for either soccer or in my research lab,” she admitted. “At first it was definitely a little bit difficult to balance the two, but I think overall I’m just grateful. It’s two of my passions and what makes it worthwhile is that I just love doing both of them.”
Reflecting on her work with Texas Children’s Hospital, Alozie remarked, “I’m a research tech here. What we really try to do is see how some chemotherapies can help this particular AML cancer that we are studying. It’s really profound and gives my life so much purpose.”
As she continues to excel in both her athletic and scientific endeavors, Alozie aspires to be known as Dr. Alozie in the future, embodying her childhood dreams and passions.
For now, she remains focused on making an impact both on the field and in the lab, driven by her love for both soccer and science.
