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 second-round qualifying tie in Ikenne-Remo on Friday.
Key Highlights
- Super Falcons beat Comoros 2-0 in the first leg of their LA 2028 Olympic qualifier.
- Michelle Alozie (48’) and Uchenna Kanu (60’) scored second-half goals.
- Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen handed senior debuts to Joy Igbokwe, Janet Akekoromowei and Suliat Abideen.
- The match served as Comoros’ home leg despite being played in Nigeria.
- The second leg holds in Ikenne on Tuesday, with Morocco awaiting the winner.
The 10-time African champions dominated the encounter under interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, with Michelle Alozie and Uchenna Kanu scoring in the second half to give Nigeria a comfortable advantage ahead of the return fixture.
Despite the match being played in Nigeria, the match officially served as Comoros’ home leg.
Eguavoen handed a senior international debut to former U-20 captain Joy Igbokwe, who started in midfield and played a key role in Nigeria’s efforts to control the game.
Ajibade Hits The Crossbar
The Super Falcons created several opportunities in the opening half but struggled to find the breakthrough. Toni Payne fired a curling effort wide in the 11th minute before setting up Rasheedat Ajibade in the 26th minute.
Ajibade’s effort struck the crossbar, while Glory Ogbona failed to convert the rebound.
Alozie, Kanu Strike After The Break
Nigeria eventually took the lead three minutes into the second half when Gift Monday delivered a cross into the danger area, allowing Alozie to finish calmly with her right foot in the 48th minute.
The Falcons doubled their advantage in the 60th minute after Jennifer Echegini delivered a well-placed corner kick, which Kanu headed home from close range.
The Nigerian technical crew subsequently introduced fresh players, with Janet Akekoromowei replacing Payne in the 61st minute to make her senior international debut.
Suliat Abideen also earned her first senior cap when she came on for Monday in the 69th minute, while Folashade Ijamilusi replaced Kanu during stoppage time.
Read also:
- Eguavoen Appointed Interim Super Falcons Coach Ahead of Comoros Olympic Qualifier
- NFF Appoints Ladan Bosso As Super Falcons Interim Coach Ahead Olympic Qualifiers
- Nigeria’s Super Falcons Lose To South Africa 1-2 To End World Cup Dream
Comoros entered the second round after recording a commanding 30-0 aggregate victory over Sudan in the previous qualifying round but struggled to match Nigeria’s attacking quality and intensity.
The second leg is scheduled to take place in Ikenne on Tuesday, with the winner on aggregate progressing to the third round of the African qualifying series, where Morocco await.
The African qualification competition consists of five rounds, with the teams battling for places at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, United States.
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