Nigeria’s Super Falcons began their campaign for a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games with a 2-0 victory over Comoros in the first leg of their women’s football qualifying tie at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Friday, October 9. Second-half goals from defender Michelle Alozie and forward Uchenna Kanu secured the win in the team’s first competitive outing under interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen. According to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Premium Times, Nigeria dominated much of the encounter but struggled to convert its chances before the break. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade came close to opening the scoring in the 26th minute, striking the crossbar, while early attempts from Kanu and Alozie were also unsuccessful. The breakthrough arrived three minutes into the second half when Alozie finished from close range after Gift Monday directed the ball into the danger area.
Nigeria doubled its advantage around the hour mark when Kanu headed home from a corner delivered by Jennifer Echegini, giving the Super Falcons a two-goal cushion ahead of the return fixture. The result reflected Nigeria’s attacking pressure after a goalless first half, although Comoros defended resolutely and prevented the African champions from extending their lead in the closing stages. The Guardian Nigeria reported that Nigeria entered the match without several key players, including Asisat Oshoala, Oluwatosin Demehin and Ashleigh Plumptre. The match was officially designated as Comoros’ home leg despite being played in Ikenne because the island nation does not have a stadium approved by the Confederation of African Football to host the fixture. The NFF also confirmed that young midfielder Joy Igbokwe made her senior international debut, while Janet Akekoromowei earned her first appearance for the senior national team after coming on as a substitute.
The Super Falcons will face Comoros again on Tuesday, October 13, at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, with victory on aggregate required to progress to the next round of the African qualifiers for the 2028 Olympics. According to Channels Television, the winner of the two-legged tie will advance to face Morocco after the Republic of Congo withdrew from the qualifying competition. Nigeria, a 10-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champion, is seeking another appearance at the Olympic Games after returning to the women’s football tournament at Paris 2024 following a 16-year absence. The opening victory gives Eguavoen’s side an advantage, but the team must maintain its discipline and convert its chances in the return leg to secure progression. The Olympic qualifying campaign offers Nigeria an opportunity to rebuild momentum following a disappointing 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign and renew its pursuit of a place among the world’s leading women’s football teams.
