Eguavoen believes Falcons can beat Comoros in Olympic Qualifiers

Super Falcons interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen says the loss of several key players will not hurt Nigeria’s chances in the 2028 Olympic Games women’s football qualifiers.

Nigeria will face Comoros in the first round of the African qualifying series. Both matches will take place at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on 9 and 13 October.

Comoros will play both games in Nigeria because they do not have a proper football stadium for the qualifiers.

Even with some star players missing, like Asisat Oshoala, Ashley Plumptre, and Oluwatosin Demehin, Eguavoen believes the players in camp can deliver the needed results. He spoke to the NFF media about his confidence in the squad.

“It is true that we have several withdrawals, notably Asisat Oshoala, Ashley Plumptre, and Oluwatosin Demehin. However, I have confidence in their replacements, as they also have the quality and experience to contribute meaningfully to the team’s success against Comoros.

“Everyone has settled in well in camp as we have a full house now, and our focus is to present a strong and competitive squad for the two matches.”

Only Blessing Okpe, a forward based in Belarus, is still expected to join the team’s camp in Ijebu-Ode.

The Falcons will be led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade as they start their quest for a second straight Olympic appearance. Nigeria was at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and now needs to go through five rounds of African qualifiers to get another spot at the global tournament in Los Angeles.

The Falcons, who have won the African championship ten times, must first get past Comoros before moving on to the third round, which is set for March 2027.

With both matches happening in familiar territory, Nigeria is expected to use the home advantage to create a strong position from the first leg.

The team’s current camp includes goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie, Comfort Erhabor, and Christiana Uzoma.

The defenders are Farida Abdulwahab, Sandra John, Tumininu Adeshina, Valentina Uroko, Glory Edet, Shukurat Oladipo, and Glory Ogbonna.

The midfielders are Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne, Favour Omenazu, Joy Igbokwe, Jennifer Echegini, Fatimoh Solaty, and Suliat Abideen.

The forwards are Rasheedat Ajibade, Shakirat Moshood, Blessing Nkor, Sandra John, Folashade Ijamilusi, Janet Akekoromowei, Uchenna Kanu, Gift Monday, and Joy Omewa.