Nigeria’s Super Falcons took a big step towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games by beating Comoros 5-0 on Tuesday. This win gave them a 7-0 aggregate score and moved them to the third round of the qualifiers.
Toni Payne and Uchenna Kanu each scored two goals. Christy Ucheibe added a penalty to seal the win. This performance showed interim coach Augustine Eguavoen that the team is getting its defensive strength back while also finding new ways to attack.
The Super Falcons were expected to win against Comoros, especially after leading by two goals from the first leg. But how they finished the job was key. The team needed this win to rebuild its confidence after a poor showing in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Toni Payne celebrates her goal alongside Monday Gift (PHOTO CREDIT: Super Falcons on X)
Comoros had a strong start, beating Sudan 30-0 on aggregate in the first round. But Nigeria showed the gap in quality between the teams. They kept clean sheets in both matches and scored seven goals without reply.
Super Falcons Show Defensive Strength Before Morocco Match
For a team aiming to return to the Olympics, good defense is as important as scoring goals. Nigeria’s two-match victory over Comoros showed that the Super Falcons may be finding stability in defense.
The team did not concede any goals in both matches, marking the first time they kept back-to-back clean sheets since the group stage of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
While Comoros didn’t pose much of an attacking threat, their previous performance against Sudan meant they couldn’t be taken lightly. Nigeria controlled their opponents well and did not allow them back into the game.
A promising sign was Eguavoen’s choice to use a new center-back pairing with Shukurat Oladipo and Christy Ucheibe. They looked calm, quick, and worked well together, showing they understand their defensive roles.
Ucheibe stood out since she combined her defense with a goal from the penalty spot, proving her worth in both defense and attack. Oladipo reminded everyone why she was last season’s best defender in Italy.
The partnership needs to be tested against tougher opponents, but Nigeria’s solid defense gives them a good start for the next round.
Morocco has more attacking skills than Comoros and will challenge Nigeria’s defenders. If the Super Falcons can maintain this organization and focus, they will have a better chance of moving forward.
Morocco Challenge Ahead for Nigeria
The Super Falcons have done what they needed, but the real test is coming.
Nigeria will face Morocco in the third round after the Atlas Lionesses advanced due to the Republic of Congo withdrawing from their tie. This match will be tougher, with Olympic qualifying on the line.
Morocco has become one of Africa’s top women’s football teams, making this fixture a crucial test for Nigeria’s defense, midfield control, and ability to score against strong opponents.
Still, there is a reason for confidence. Nigeria beat Morocco 3-2 in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, showing they can perform under pressure.
That victory brings hope, but it is not a guarantee. This upcoming match is new, and Nigeria must show they can play well over two matches against a team that can exploit any mistakes.
The win over Comoros has given Eguavoen a chance to assess his choices and keep up the momentum. The matches against Morocco will show if the positive signs from the last performance can lead to results against top-level competition.
For Nigeria, the goal is not just to score easily against weaker teams. They need to prove they can stay tight under pressure, compete in crucial moments, and deliver the quality needed to keep their Olympic hopes alive.
Is Uchenna Kanu the Next Goalscoring Star for the Super Falcons?
Nigeria has always had great goalscorers. From Mercy Akide and Perpetua Nkwocha to Asisat Oshoala, the Super Falcons have seen many forwards who can change games.
But as Oshoala nears the end of her career, Nigeria needs to find new players who can lead the attack. Kanu’s showing against Comoros gives hope that she can take on that role.
She scored twice in Tuesday's game and ended the two-legged match with three goals, making her a strong attacking option.
Kanu offers more than just goals. Her strength helps her compete with defenders, and her speed allows Nigeria to use her in different attacking roles. She also stays involved in plays, not just waiting for chances.
This versatility could be key against Morocco, where Nigeria might have fewer chances and will need their forwards to capitalize on openings.
But the next step is to keep that effectiveness against better teams. Goals against Comoros build confidence, but how she performs against Morocco will show if Kanu is ready to be one of Nigeria’s top attackers.
With the Super Falcons looking for consistency and a reliable source of goals, Kanu is giving Eguavoen a nice selection problem.
Rasheedat Ajibade in full flow before her injury (PHOTO CREDIT: Super Falcons on X)
Michelle Alozie Shines Again for Nigeria
Michelle Alozie was one of Nigeria’s best players in both matches. She gave a strong and balanced performance that could be vital in tougher rounds of the qualifiers.
Playing right-back, Alozie worked hard on the flank, balancing her defensive tasks with forward runs that helped Nigeria attack. Her effort and willingness to contribute on both sides helped the Super Falcons stay dangerous while staying organized.
Her showing was especially encouraging after a tough time at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The Comoros matches were a chance to regain confidence, and Alozie took it by showing why she is a key player.
Michelle Alozie (PHOTO CREDIT: Super Falcons X Page)
Modern full-backs need to do more than just defend. They must give width, support attacks, recover quickly, and make good decisions when possession changes. Alozie showed she can do all these things well over the two matches.
Her role will be even more important against Morocco, who will test her defensive focus more. Nigeria may also need her forward runs to stretch the defense and create space for attackers.
Toni Payne also deserves praise for her two goals on Tuesday. Under 20 captain, Joy Igbokwe’s performance was another encouraging sign for Eguavoen’s options.
But Alozie’s performance stood out, reminding everyone that Nigeria’s success relies not only on their top attackers but also on players who can perform consistently.
Ijamilusi and Okpe Show They Deserve Bigger Roles
The depth in Nigeria’s attack was another positive from the win, with substitutes Folashade Ijamilusi and Blessing Okpe making significant impacts after coming on.
Both players had two assists, and Okpe won the penalty that Ucheibe scored. Their energy and directness helped Nigeria’s second-half performance.
Ijamilusi and Okpe used their speed and willingness to run at the defense to give the Super Falcons more attacking options. They didn’t just keep the pace; they added a new dimension to Nigeria’s forward play.
This is good news for Eguavoen, especially as the competition gets tougher. Against stronger teams, the ability to change the game from the bench can be just as vital as the starting players’ quality.
Both players have been on the edges of the senior national team, and their contributions give them a chance to argue for bigger roles. Their involvement also hints that Nigeria has useful alternatives when starters need a break or a different approach.
Of course, the Comoros match is just one way to measure their readiness. The real test will be keeping that energy and decision-making against teams that defend better and give less space.
Still, their impact on Tuesday was clear. In a qualifying campaign where squad depth could be crucial, Ijamilusi and Okpe give Eguavoen more choices to think about.
A Solid Win, But a Tougher Challenge Ahead
The Super Falcons did what they had to do against Comoros. They secured a strong aggregate win and kept clean sheets while giving players a chance to prove they deserve regular spots.
Kanu’s goals, Payne’s contributions, Alozie’s strong performance, the promising center-back pairing, and the impact from Ijamilusi and Okpe all give reasons to be hopeful. The only downside was Captain Rasheedat’s injury.
But the importance of this win will depend on what comes next. Morocco is a different level of opponent, and Nigeria will need to mix the confidence from the Comoros match with better tactics and resilience.
The Olympic qualifying journey is tough, but the Super Falcons are making progress. Their next challenge is to show that this convincing win was not just about the difference in quality, but a sign of a team preparing for a brighter and more consistent future.
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