Latest News
Michelle Alozie: Super Falcons’ Height Advantage Key in Victory Over Zambia
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Super Falcons’ right back Michelle Alozie has credited Nigeria’s physical edge—particularly in height—for their dominant 5-0 victory over Zambia in the quarter-finals of the ongoing African Women’s Championship.
Speaking to journalists after the match, Alozie emphasized the importance of set-pieces in a contest where physical presence proved decisive.
“We knew that set pieces were going to be an important component as we have a height difference with Zambia and most African teams,” she explained. “So we knew that we had to put those away—and we did today.”
Nigeria wasted no time asserting their dominance. The scoring opened in just the 3rd minute when Osinachi Ohale rose highest to head home a lofted freekick from Esther Okoronkwo. That early blow set the tone for what became a clinical performance by the defending champions.
Okoronkwo turned scorer minutes later, chesting down a cross from Rasheedat Ajibade and slotting it into the bottom corner. Chinwendu Ihezuo, Tosin Dimehin, and Deborah Ijamilusi each added their names to the scoresheet, sealing a comprehensive 5-0 win over the Copper Queens—last edition’s third-place team.
Despite the emphatic scoreline, Alozie remained gracious in her post-match comments, praising Zambia’s offensive unit.
“They have an amazing front three, and so to be able to shut them down took every ounce of energy,” said Alozie. “I was basically crying at the end of the game, and that’s all due to Zambia. They are a very great side and we were just able to perform today.”
With this victory, the Super Falcons march confidently into the semi-finals, reaffirming their status as Africa’s most formidable women’s football team—both in skill and stature.
