Done Deal: Michelle Alozie Completes Move to MLS Club Chicago Stars

Super Falcons defender Michelle Alozie has completed her transfer to Chicago Stars FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), sealing a three year contract after being traded from the Houston Dash in exchange for $40,000 in allocation money. The deal will keep her at Chicago through the 2028 season as the club strengthens ahead of the 2026 campaign.

Alozie, 28, enjoyed a productive five-year spell with Houston Dash where she rose from a national team replacement player to a dependable defender with seven goals and two assists in 75+ NWSL appearances and now embarks on a new chapter in Chicago.

In announcing the move, Chicago Stars general manager Richard Feuz highlighted Alozie’s experience, leadership and two-way play as key assets for the club’s future ambitions. The Nigeria international expressed excitement about joining her new teammates and connecting with fans in Chicago.

Internationally, Alozie has been a regular for the Super Falcons since 2021, earning over 26 caps, scoring multiple goals, and representing Nigeria at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 2024 Olympics. She was also part of the squad that won the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Editorial

In a league where balance between seasoned international experience and developmental promise increasingly defines success, Michelle Alozie’s transfer to Chicago Stars FC is a move that makes strategic sense on multiple levels.

Alozie’s evolution in the NWSL from a national team replacement player to a key contributor at the Houston Dash exemplifies the non-linear pathways that elite professionals often navigate. Her ability to defend robustly, contribute goals and lead by example reflects a maturity forged as much through adversity as opportunity.

The Chicago Stars, a club with ambitious plans for the coming seasons, are acquiring far more than a defensive squad member. They are adding a player whose experience in big moments from playoff pushes to global tournaments with the Super Falcons will enrich the dressing room and challenge younger teammates to elevate their game. This is a tactical acquisition with psychological dividends: leadership on and off the pitch matters as much as athletic performance.

Alozie’s move serves as a reminder of the growing intersection between African football excellence and American professional leagues. The NWSL continues to attract talents who bring diverse tactical backgrounds and cultural perspectives, amplifying the league’s competitive depth while giving players like Alozie new platforms to refine their craft.

For Nigeria’s women’s football narrative, this transfer underscores a broader trend African internationals are not just surviving in top global competitions, they are shaping them. Chicago Stars have gained a defender of proven calibre and Alozie, a fresh stage on which to showcase both her resilience and her ambition.

Did You Know?

1. Extended Contract Alozie’s deal with the Chicago Stars runs for three years through 2028, offering long-term security and continuity.
2. NWSL Journey She initially joined the Houston Dash in 2021 as a national team replacement player before earning a permanent spot and later a contract extension.
3. International Achievements Alozie played for Nigeria at both the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games and was part of the team that won the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
4. Versatility Known for contributing both defensively and offensively, she scored 4 goals in 2023, helping Houston Dash reach the NWSL playoffs for the first time in club history.
5. Growing NWSL Role Alozie’s move highlights the increasing impact of African women players in the NWSL, as clubs seek international experience to bolster competitiveness in domestic and continental play.