Mamelodi Sundowns may have lost their thrilling 4-3 FIFA Club World Cup match to Borussia Dortmund, but their bold performance won them a high-profile admirer—Michelle Alozie of Nigeria’s Super Falcons.
Despite going down 4-1 to the German side after taking an early lead through Lucas Ribeiro, Sundowns displayed remarkable determination. Two second-half goals, including a 90th-minute strike, nearly salvaged a stunning result and captured attention far beyond the stadium.
One person especially moved by the effort was Alozie, a regular in Nigeria’s national team setup. Preparing for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), she took to social media to show her appreciation, writing, “Sundowns fc got a new fan! #FIFACWC.” The club was quick to embrace her, welcoming her to the “Yellow Nation.”
While Alozie’s newfound club loyalty is a warm moment of continental solidarity, competitive tensions will resurface soon. Nigeria and South Africa are set to clash at the upcoming WAFCON in Morocco. South Africa, the reigning champions, aim to defend their title, while Nigeria are targeting their tenth championship.
For now, Alozie’s praise highlights the growing global respect for African clubs and the vibrant spirit of the Club World Cup—where passion, even in defeat, can build unexpected alliances.