'My Backside Is Fine': Michelle Alozie After Lauren James’ Reckless Stamp on Her

• Michelle Alozie has broken her silence after she was on the receiving end of a reckless challenge
• The Nigerian defender was stamped by England's Lauren James during their World Cup encounter
• Despite a commendable effort, the Super Falcons fell short as the Lionesses won 4-2 on penalties

Nigeria defender, Michelle Alozie, has assured everyone she is fine after a hotheaded moment involving England's star forward, Lauren James.

Alozie received praise for effectively neutralising one of England's most dangerous attacking threats - James - who had previously recorded a brace and a hat-trick of assists in her last game.

The 26-year-old's inch-perfect defensive performance successfully kept the free-scoring Lionesses at bay during their round of 16 tie, leaving the European champions frustrated.

Lauren stamps on Alozie's backside

In a moment of frustration, Lauren lost her temper and appeared to step on the backside of the Super Falcons defender, leading to a red card.

Brazil's Borges outdoes Pele with emotional World Cup hat-trick

Football

Although the red card did not significantly change the tide in favour of the West African side, Nigeria still put up a valiant performance.

In the end, England managed to hold their nerve and secured a victory via post-match penalties, securing their spot in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Speaking to reporters after the tie, Alozie - who works part-time as a cancer research technician at the Texas Children's Hospital in Houston - highlighted her near-perfect display in shutting Lauren out throughout the match.

"It was good for us. James is a really good player and nullifying her was really big for us. We didn’t want her to move freely and get those shots off that she usually does. It was good for us to have her taken out of the game," she said as quoted by GOAL.

Alozie also addressed the red card incident but confirmed she is doing 'fine'.

Graham Hansen exposes fractures with Norway on brink of World Cup exit

Football

"I was a little bit surprised by her reaction to the tackle. I don’t think it was really needed. I’m fine; my backside is fine from her stepping on it! I was kind of confused initially. I didn’t understand what was going on at first. There’s no hard feelings, it’s just a game."

James sees red for Alozie tackle

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on England women’s superstar, James being red-carded against Nigeria following a reckless moment during their last 16 clash.

As frustration crept in for the Lionesses, the forward was on the spot in the 86th minute after appearing to walk on the backside of opposition defender, Alozie.