Olympic Qualifier: Eguavoen confident Falcons can overcome Comoros

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

Nigeria face Comoros in the first round of the African qualifying series, with both legs scheduled at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on 9 and 13 October.

Comoros will play both matches in Nigeria because the island nation lacks a standard football stadium suitable for hosting the qualifiers.

Despite the absence of some established players, including Asisat Oshoala, Ashley Plumptre and Oluwatosin Demehin, Eguavoen, while speaking to the NFF media, said he believes the players in camp have enough quality to deliver the desired result.

“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 Belarus-based forward Blessing Okpe, who received a late invitation, is still expected to join the team’s camp in Ijebu-Ode.

The Falcons will be led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade as they begin their bid for a second successive Olympic appearance.

Nigeria featured at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and must now navigate a five-round African qualifying series to secure another place at the global tournament in Los Angeles.

The Falcons, 10-time African champions, must first eliminate Comoros before advancing to the third round, scheduled for March 2027.

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With both legs played in familiar surroundings, Nigeria is expected to take advantage of home conditions and establish a strong position in the tie 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.