2028 Olympic Qualifier
The Super Falcons began their campaign to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles with a convincing 2-0 win over Comoros in the first leg of their qualifying tie.
Nigeria went into the encounter as overwhelming favourites to progress to the next round, but faced a Comoros side that reached this stage after thrashing Sudan 30-0 on aggregate.
The match was played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne because Comoros do not have a stadium that meets CAF requirements.
Augustine Eguavoen, who took charge of his first game since replacing Justin Madugu, named a strongstarting lineup despite the withdrawal of some key players from the squad.
Joy Igbokwe made her Super Falcons debut, while Rasheedat Ajibade captained the side and Shukurat Oladipo, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and Michelle Alozie were also included in the team.
The Super Falcons took control early on and dominated the first half as they searched for an opening goal. Kanu and Alozie both threatened the Comoros defence, while Ajibade came close to breaking the deadlock but saw her effort hit the woodwork.
Nigeria needed just three minutes after the restart to find the breakthrough, with Alozie finishing from close range. Gift Monday knocked down a cross from the right, allowing Alozie to arrive at the right time and tap the ball home to give the Super Falcons a deserved lead.
The visitors doubled their advantage on the hour mark through Kanu, who headed home from a corner delivered by Echegini.
Janet Akekoromowei also came on for her debut in the second half as the Super Falcons continued their dominance in the encounter.
The game ended 2-0 as Nigeria take a massive advantage into next week’s second leg clash.
The Super Falcons will return to action on Tuesday for the second leg at the same venue and will be looking for another dominant result that would secure their place in the third round of the Olympic qualifiers.
If Nigeria progress, they will face rivals Morocco in the third round, after the WAFCON 2026 finalists received a bye following Republic of Congo’s withdrawal from the qualifiers.
The Super Falcons will be eager to avoid another major disappointment after their dismal outing at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament, which also saw them miss out on the 2027 Women’s World Cup.