Super Falcons Target Next Round of Olympic Qualifiers Against Comoros

By Samuel Akpan

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will seek to complete the job against Comoros in Tuesday’s return leg of their second-round Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifier at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, carrying a 2-0 aggregate advantage.

Kick-off is set for 4:00 p.m. as interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen’s side aim to advance to the third round of the African qualifying series after second-half goals from Michelle Alozie and Uchenna Kanu secured the first-leg win on October 9.

Alozie broke the deadlock in the 48th minute after Gift Monday directed a cross into the danger area, before Kanu doubled the lead in the 60th minute with a header from Jennifer Echegini’s corner, giving Nigeria a cushion they must protect with defensive discipline.

Though Comoros were designated as the home team for the opening leg, both matches are taking place in Nigeria due to the island nation’s lack of a CAF-approved stadium.

Playing at the familiar Remo Stars stadium gives the Super Falcons a distinct advantage as they aim to build on their lead.

Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen—currently holding the reins while the Nigeria Football Federation searches for a permanent manager—used the first leg to introduce fresh talent.

Former Falconets captain Joy Igbokwe earned her senior debut, while Janet Akekoromowei and Suliat Abideen also picked up their first international caps.

Key pillars Rasheedat Ajibade, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and Michelle Alozie continue to anchor the squad.

Ahead of the return fixture, all eyes will be on the technical crew’s lineup choices as Nigeria looks to balance defending their aggregate lead with sharpening their attack.

Comoros, who reached this stage after a 30-0 aggregate thrashing of Sudan, must overturn the two-goal deficit with a sharper attacking display while avoiding defensive errors that could further tilt the tie, having failed to score in the first meeting.

The aggregate winner advances to the third round against Morocco, who progressed after the Republic of Congo’s withdrawal, as Nigeria chase a second consecutive Olympic appearance after returning at Paris 2024 to end a 16-year absence, with only two African teams set to qualify for Los Angeles 2028.