The Super Falcons of Nigeria moved closer to the next round of the 2028 Olympic qualifiers after defeating Comoros 2-0 in the first leg of their second-round tie on Friday.
Michelle Alozie and Uchenna Kanu scored after the break to give Nigeria a valuable advantage. The result puts the nine-time African champions in a strong position ahead of Tuesday’s return fixture.
Nigeria break Comoros resistance after the interval
The Super Falcons entered the contest as favourites despite facing a Comoros side that reached this stage after defeating Sudan 30-0 on aggregate.
The match took place at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne. Comoros hosted the fixture because the country lacks a stadium that meets Confederation of African Football requirements.
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Nigeria created several opportunities in the opening half but struggled to find the net. Rasheedat Ajibade came closest to breaking the deadlock, only for her effort to strike the woodwork.
Ajibade captained the team as Augustine Eguavoen took charge of his first match since replacing Justin Madugu. Joy Igbokwe also made her Super Falcons debut.
Gift Monday led the attack in Asisat Oshoala’s absence. Jennifer Echegini, Toni Payne, Shukurat Oladipo, Chiamaka Nnadozie and Alozie also featured.
Alozie and Kanu deliver second-half goals
Nigeria needed only three minutes after the restart to take the lead. Alozie finished from close range in the 48th minute after Monday directed a cross into her path.
The goal rewarded Nigeria’s persistence following a first half in which Comoros had kept the visitors at bay.
Alozie nearly added another goal six minutes later. However, the Comoros goalkeeper denied her attempt to keep the deficit at one.
Kanu eventually doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 59th minute. Echegini delivered a corner into the penalty area, and the forward headed home.
The second goal gave the Super Falcons greater control of the tie. Janet Akekoromowei also made her debut after coming on during the second half.
Nigeria maintained their advantage until the final whistle. The 2-0 victory gives the team an important cushion before the decisive return leg.
Super Falcons face crucial return fixture
The Super Falcons will meet Comoros again on Tuesday, October 13, at the same venue.
Nigeria will aim to protect their two-goal advantage and secure a place in the third round of the African qualifiers for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
A successful progression would set up a potential encounter with Morocco. The Atlas Lionesses received a bye after the Republic of Congo withdrew from the qualifying campaign.
The victory also offers Nigeria an opportunity to rebuild momentum following their disappointing 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign, which ended with the team missing out on the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
For Eguavoen and his players, Tuesday’s return fixture represents another important step towards restoring confidence and keeping their Olympic ambitions alive.
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