Eguavoen confident ahead of Comoros clash in Olympic qualifier

Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen has brushed aside worries that some late withdrawals from his squad might hurt the Super Falcons' chances against Comoros in the 2028 Olympic qualifying matches.

Nigeria will take on Comoros in two matches on October 9 and 13. Both games will be held at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo since Comoros does not have a standard football pitch in their country.

If Nigeria wins on aggregate, the 10-time African champions will move on to the third round of the five-round African qualifying series, which will be decided in March 2027.

Eguavoen confirmed that forward Asisat Oshoala and defenders Ashley Plumptre and Oluwatosin Demehin are among those who have dropped out of his initial list. He expressed confidence that their replacements can still deliver a good performance.

“It is true that we have a number of withdrawals, notably Asisat Oshoala, Ashley Plumptre and Oluwatosin Demehin. However, I have confidence in their replacements, as these ones also have the quality and experience to contribute meaningfully to the team’s success against Comoros,” he stated.

The coach also mentioned that the rest of the squad has settled in well ahead of the matches.

“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,” Eguavoen added.

Belarus-based forward Blessing Okpe, who received a late call-up, is the only player yet to join the team's camp in Ijebu-Ode.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade will lead the Falcons as they aim for a second straight appearance at the Olympic football tournament after playing in Paris 2024.

In the camp are goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie, Comfort Erhabor and Christiana Uzoma; defenders Farida Abdulwahab, Sandra John, Tumininu Adeshina, Valentina Uroko, Glory Edet, Shukurat Oladipo and Glory Ogbonna; midfielders Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne, Favour Omenazu, Joy Igbokwe, Jennifer Echegini, Fatimoh Solaty and Suliat Abideen; and forwards Rasheedat Ajibade, Shakirat Moshood, Blessing Nkor, Sandra John, Folashade Ijamilusi, Janet Akekoromowei, Uchenna Kanu, Gift Monday and Joy Omewa.