Michelle Alozie earns FIFPro World XI nomination, recognising her contributions to the Super Falcons’ record-extending 10th WAFCON triumph

Super Falcons defender Michelle Alozie has expressed pride at being nominated for the 2025 FIFPro World XI, citing the recognition as a testament to her contributions to Nigeria’s national team.

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Alozie was among 26 nominees announced in October, one of three African players on the list alongside Moroccan captain Ghizlane Chebbak and Zambian skipper Barbra Banda.

The FIFPro World XI is unique in being voted exclusively by professional footballers, making the nomination a peer-based accolade.

“Just to know that I’m seen by my peers and considered among the best XI means a lot. It says a lot about what Nigeria did as a team to get me there, and I am very honoured.”

The 28-year-old recently completed a three-year move from Houston Dash to Chicago Stars FC, with her contract extending through 2028.

Alozie joins the National Women’s Soccer League club at Northwestern Medicine Field in Evanston, Illinois, after four productive years with Houston Dash, where she made 75 appearances, scored seven goals, and provided two assists.

During her tenure with Houston Dash, Alozie became a key figure for the team, contributing to their first-ever NWSL playoffs appearance in 2022 and emerging as joint leading goalscorer in 2023 with four goals.

She has also represented Nigeria at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympic Games.

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Alozie’s FIFPro nomination caps a year of historic achievement for the Super Falcons, who secured a record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco, underscoring her role in one of Nigerian football’s most successful campaigns.