Super Falcons Beat Comoros 2–0 as Eguavoen Era Begins With Olympic Qualifier Win
The Super Falcons beat Comoros 2–0 in the first leg of their Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifier at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Friday 9 October, giving interim coach Augustine Eguavoen a winning start. Michelle Alozie and Uchenna Kanu scored in the 48th and 60th minutes, Premium Times reported. The Super Falcons Comoros return leg takes place at the same ground on Tuesday 13 October.
Both games are being played in Nigeria because Comoros do not have a stadium that meets CAF requirements. As a result, Nigeria have played the whole tie in front of their own fans.
How the Super Falcons Beat Comoros
Nigeria controlled the first half but could not find a breakthrough. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade came closest when she hit the woodwork, Soccernet NG reported.
The opener arrived three minutes after the restart. Gift Monday crossed from the flank, and Alozie tapped in from close range.
On the hour mark, Kanu doubled the lead with a header from Jennifer Echegini’s corner. After that, Nigeria managed the game comfortably to take a two-goal lead into the second leg.
Eguavoen’s First Game in Charge
It was a positive start for Eguavoen, who took over on an interim basis in September. He replaced Justine Madugu, who was sacked after Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Eguavoen had to manage without several regulars. Asisat Oshoala asked to be left out of the squad, while three other players withdrew because of injury or residence-permit issues, Football in Nigeria reported.
In Oshoala’s absence, Gift Monday led the attack and provided the cross for the first goal. Meanwhile, Alozie, the Houston Dash defender, earned praise for her performance.
Super Falcons Comoros Second Leg and What Comes Next
Nigeria will reach the third round of Olympic qualifying if they avoid a heavy defeat on Tuesday. According to Soccernet NG, the winners will face Morocco, after the Republic of Congo withdrew from the competition.
That would set up a rematch with the Atlas Lionesses, whom Nigeria beat 3–2 in the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final. The third round is expected in early 2027.
A Fresh Start After a Difficult Year
The win offers some relief after a painful 2026. Nigeria lost to Cameroon in the WAFCON quarter-finals in August and then to South Africa in a World Cup play-off, ending a run of nine straight World Cups.
The federation has also faced turmoil, with president Ibrahim Gusau resigning amid corruption allegations. For the full story of Africa’s most successful women’s team, read our Super Falcons guide.
Can Eguavoen lead the Super Falcons to Los Angeles 2028? Share your thoughts in the comments.
