Falcons Begin Olympics Qualifying Campaign Against Comoros

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will begin their campaign to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games when they face Comoros in the first leg of their second-round African qualifying tie on Friday, October 9.

The match is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, as the 10-time African champions seek a strong start in their quest to return to the Olympics.

Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen will lead the team for the qualifying fixtures as the Nigeria Football Federation continues its search for a substantive head coach.

Eguavoen said the players had settled into camp and were focused on delivering competitive performances across the two matches.

He expressed confidence in the squad despite the withdrawal of several established players, including forward Asisat Oshoala, defender Ashley Plumptre and Oluwatosin Demehin.

The coach said the available players had the quality and experience needed to contribute to the team’s progress.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade is expected to lead the side, with experienced players including goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Michelle Alozie and midfielders Toni Payne, Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini among those involved in preparations.

Comoros, meanwhile, arrive in the second round after an emphatic 30-0 aggregate victory over Sudan. They won the first leg 17-0 before completing the tie with a 13-0 victory in the return match.

Both legs of the Nigeria-Comoros tie will be played at Remo Stars Stadium, with the return fixture scheduled for Tuesday, October 13. Comoros are hosting the first leg in Nigeria because the island nation does not have a suitable standard stadium for the fixture.

The Super Falcons received a bye into the second round because of their ranking among the highest-ranked teams in the qualifying competition.

Nigeria must progress through the knockout rounds to secure one of Africa’s two available places in the women’s football tournament at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

If they overcome Comoros, the Falcons will advance to the third round, scheduled for February 23 to March 6, 2027, where they will face either the Democratic Republic of Congo or Morocco.

The opening encounter therefore offers Nigeria an opportunity to establish an advantage before Tuesday’s return leg and keep their Olympic ambitions on course.