Super Falcons defender Michelle Alozie has deactivated her Instagram account following intense criticism and online trolling after Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria’s qualification hopes were ended by a 2-1 defeat to South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in the decisive playoff, ruling the Super Falcons out of the tournament in Brazil.
The setback means Nigeria will miss the Women’s World Cup for the first time since the competition began in 1991.
Following the defeat, some frustrated supporters directed harsh comments and online abuse at members of the team, with high-profile players such as Alozie among those targeted.
Amid the intense online backlash, Alozie deactivated her Instagram account, apparently in an effort to escape the heightened scrutiny and abuse.
The latest setback comes after the Super Falcons also endured disappointment at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where their campaign ended in the quarter-finals following a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in Morocco.