Nigeria star Michelle Alozie praises NFF for improved treatment in WAFCON buildup

By Monsurah Olatunji

Nigeria defender Michelle Alozie has commended the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for what she described as “steady improvement” in how the national women’s team is treated, signaling a notable shift in tone just weeks after publicly criticizing the federation for substandard conditions.

Alozie, who plays for Houston Dash in the United States, made headlines earlier this year during an episode of the Togethxr YouTube series, where she candidly detailed her frustrations with the lack of basic amenities at her first Super Falcons training camp.

“I remember my first camp in Nigeria,” the 28-year-old said at the time.

“I asked them, ‘Training’s done, I have all these dirty clothes—where’s the laundry?’ And they were like, ‘Oh, do you need soap?’ What do you mean I have to hand wash it? The Super Eagles are not doing handwashing, so why should we?”

However, speaking to the NFF’s official website ahead of Nigeria’s doubleheader friendly against Cameroon, Alozie struck a more optimistic note.

“I am excited for the upcoming training camp and to be back with the Super Falcons; it’s my first time in Ogun State!” she said. “Everyone is looking forward to the Women’s AFCON and that is our main focus.”

Reflecting on recent developments, she added: “The way we are treated has changed in the past few years, for the better. I am happy to see the steady change as women’s sports across the world continue to achieve and fight for more equality.”

Her remarks suggest that some of the concerns she previously voiced may have helped trigger internal reforms within the federation.

The Super Falcons are preparing for the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled for July in Morocco. As part of their build-up, they will face the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in two friendly matches.

The first will take place on Saturday, May 31 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, followed by a second leg at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Monday, June 3.

These fixtures are seen as vital for building cohesion and assessing squad readiness ahead of the tournament, where Nigeria will look to reclaim the continental crown.