Super Falcons Beat Comoros in Olympic Qualifier

Nigeria’s Super Falcons began their campaign under interim coach Austine Eguavoen with a 2-0 victory over Comoros in the first leg of their third-round qualification tie for the 2028 Olympic Games.

Second-half goals from defender Michelle Alozie and forward Uchenna Kanu secured the win at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Friday night.

The 10-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions dominated much of the encounter but struggled to convert their early chances in the first half.

Kanu, who plays for Cruz Azul Femenil, came close to opening the scoring in the 18th minute, but her effort went over the goal.

Four minutes later, Alozie, of Chicago Stars FC, tested the Comoros goalkeeper with a low shot, which was saved for a corner.

Rasheedat Ajibade struck the woodwork in the 26th minute, while Gloria Ogbonna failed to convert the rebound as her effort went wide.

Despite Nigeria’s sustained pressure, Comoros held firm to keep the score goalless at half-time.

Alozie and Kanu seal Nigeria’s victory

The Super Falcons broke the deadlock three minutes into the second half through Alozie.

Gift Monday, who plays for Boston Legacy FC, helped create the opening with a header towards goal, allowing Alozie to finish from close range.

Nigeria doubled their advantage around the hour mark when Kanu headed home Jennifer Echegini’s corner kick.

The Super Falcons maintained their lead for the remainder of the match to secure a two-goal advantage ahead of the return fixture.

Super Falcons face Comoros again on Tuesday

Both teams will meet again on Tuesday for the second leg at the same venue.

Friday’s match was designated as a home fixture for Comoros, also known as Les Coelacanths, because the island nation does not have a stadium approved by the Confederation of African Football to host international matches.

The winner of the two-legged tie will face Morocco in the next round of qualifying for the women’s football tournament at the 2028 Olympic Games.