Super Falcons Beat Comoros 2-0 in First Leg of LA 2028 Olympic Qualifiers as Alozie and Kanu Score, Eguavoen Addresses Finishing Concerns

The Super Falcons defeated Comoros 2-0 in the first leg of the second round of the CAF qualifying series for the LA 2028 Olympic Games. Michelle Alozie and Uchenna Kanu scored after the break to give Nigeria an important advantage ahead of Tuesday’s return fixture, with the aggregate winner set to face Morocco in the third round.

Super Falcons Dominate First Half but Miss Chances

The Super Falcons of Nigeria began their quest for a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games with a 2-0 victory over Comoros in the first leg of their second-round qualifying tie on Friday at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.

Although played on Nigerian soil, the fixture officially served as Comoros’ home leg.

Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen handed a senior international debut to former Falconets captain Joy Igbokwe, who started in midfield as the 10-time African champions dominated possession and created several opportunities.

Nigeria threatened early, with Toni Payne curling an effort wide in the 11th minute. Fifteen minutes later, Payne set up captain Rasheedat Ajibade, whose strike hit the crossbar before Glory Ogbona failed to convert the rebound.

Despite controlling proceedings, Nigeria went into half-time without a goal, with their finishing in the final third proving a challenge.

Alozie Breaks the Deadlock After Half-Time

The breakthrough arrived three minutes after the restart. In the 48th minute, Gift Monday headed a cross into the danger area, allowing Michelle Alozie to finish with her right foot and put Nigeria ahead.

The goal rewarded Nigeria’s sustained pressure and gave Eguavoen’s side the advantage they had struggled to establish in the first half.

Kanu Doubles Nigeria’s Lead from Echegini’s Corner

The Super Falcons doubled their advantage in the 60th minute when Jennifer Echegini delivered a corner kick and Uchenna Kanu reacted quickest to head home from close range.

The second goal strengthened Nigeria’s position in the tie and gave the team a two-goal cushion heading into the return fixture.

Akekoromowei and Abideen Make Senior Debuts

Eguavoen introduced fresh legs as the match progressed, with Janet Akekoromowei replacing Toni Payne in the 61st minute to make her senior competitive international debut.

Suliat Abideen also earned her first senior cap when she replaced Gift Monday in the 69th minute, while Folashade Ijamilusi came on for goalscorer Kanu in stoppage time.

The introductions offered opportunities for emerging players as Nigeria managed the closing stages of the encounter.

Eguavoen: I Knew We Would Score

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Eguavoen admitted that he was nervous when the teams went into half-time at 0-0, despite Nigeria’s dominance.

The interim coach said he expected the breakthrough to come, explaining that the Super Falcons had controlled the game from the beginning.

He praised Comoros for their effort but maintained that Nigeria had demonstrated their superiority. Eguavoen also stressed that football was a collective effort, noting that the team’s success depended on unity rather than relying on individual players.

Addressing Nigeria’s struggles in front of goal during the first half, Eguavoen acknowledged that the delivery of final balls had been a challenge. He explained that the technical crew discussed the issue during the interval and worked on improving the team’s attacking execution.

The coach also revealed that a player referred to as Christie was unavailable because of a slight hamstring problem, expressing hope that she would be available for future matches.

Eguavoen Backs Blend of Youth and Experience

Eguavoen praised the senior players for welcoming the younger members of the squad, highlighting the importance of creating an environment in which emerging talents could settle into the team.

Joy Igbokwe started the match, while Janet Akekoromowei and Suliat Abideen made their senior international debuts.

The coach described the combination of experience and youth as beneficial to the team's development and indicated that versatility would remain an advantage, with players capable of operating in more than one position.

Looking ahead to the wider Olympic qualifying campaign, Eguavoen acknowledged the disappointment of Nigeria’s previous Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign but insisted that the team had learned important lessons.

He called on Nigerians to continue supporting the Super Falcons, expressing confidence in the team's potential.

Comoros Coach Yusuf Abdullah Highlights Value of Facing Nigeria

Comoros head coach Yusuf Abdullah had acknowledged the importance of facing Nigeria ahead of the first leg, describing the opportunity to play against one of Africa’s leading women's national teams as a significant experience for his side.

Abdullah explained that matches against strong opposition could contribute to the development of women's football in Comoros, regardless of the result.

Comoros captain Assimina Maoulida also stressed before the match that her team intended to enjoy the occasion and approach the game without unnecessary pressure.

Comoros entered the second round after recording a 30-0 aggregate victory over Sudan in the previous qualifying round. The defeat to Nigeria, however, leaves them needing to overturn a two-goal deficit in the return fixture.

Chiamaka Nnadozie and Super Falcons Turn Attention to Return Leg

The Super Falcons will return to action on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, against Comoros at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne for the second leg of their LA 2028 Olympic qualifying tie.

Nigeria will seek another positive result to secure progression to the third round, where Morocco awaits the aggregate winner.

With goals from Alozie and Kanu and a clean sheet in the first leg, Nigeria have placed themselves in a favourable position. However, the Super Falcons must remain focused to complete the job and continue their pursuit of a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Next Match

Comoros vs Nigeria

• Competition: CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers, LA 2028

• Round: Second round, second leg

• Date: Tuesday, 13 October 2026

• Venue: Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, Ogun State

• First-leg score: Comoros 0-2 Nigeria

• What’s at stake: The aggregate winner advances to face Morocco in the third round.