Michelle Alozie: Super Falcons star gets Houstonian of the Year nomination

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Michelle Alozie, a standout player for Nigeria’s senior women’s national team and a forward for the Houston Dash in the United States’ National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), has been nominated for the prestigious 2024 Houstonian of the Year award.

Alozie will compete for the award alongside three other notable personalities: Eric Berger & Matt Lanza (Space City Weather meteorologists), Molly Cook (Texas State Senator), Benchawan Jabthong Painter (Street to Kitchen chef-owner), and Chiqui Sanchez Kennedy (founder of the Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project).

Apart from her impressive football career, Alozie is also a researcher at Texas Children’s Hospital, where she works as a research technician in pediatric oncology, further stressing her commitment to both sports and science.

This dual role as an athlete and medical researcher sets her apart as an overachiever in every sense.

Alozie’s contributions to football are equally remarkable. She played a key role in helping Nigeria’s Super Falcons qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics—their first Olympic appearance since 2008.

Her efforts also helped the team secure a spot in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where Nigeria reached the Round of 16 in the tournament held in Australia and New Zealand.

Her recognition as a Houstonian of the Year nominee underscores not only her athletic prowess but also her impactful work off the field, making her a truly inspiring figure in her community and beyond.