OLYMPICS: Super Falcons beat Comoros in first round qualifiers

Nigeria's Super Falcons secured a 2-0 victory over Comoros in the first leg of their second-round qualifier for the 2028 Olympic Games. The match took place at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, on Friday, with both legs being hosted in Nigeria due to the island nation lacking a CAF-approved venue. The Super Falcons opened the scoring with two goals from Michelle Alozie and Uchenna Kanu in the second half.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade had a shot blocked by the post during the goalless first half. Comoros defended well to level the score at the half-time break. Alozie scored her first goal in the 48th minute, coming close to scoring again moments later, but Comoros' goalkeeper prevented the second goal. Uchenna Kanu sealed the win in the 59th minute with her second goal, providing a two-goal cushion for the Super Falcons.

Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen made changes in the 61st minute, introducing 19-year-old Semeihya Janet to the team in hopes of scoring a third goal. Janet had a chance for her second in the 71st minute but could only manage a weak shot that was easily saved by the Comoros goalkeeper. Comoros reached this stage after defeating Sudan 30-0 on aggregate, with wins of 17-0 and 13-0.

Nigeria had been awarded a bye into the second round. Eguavoen expressed satisfaction with the team's performance before the match. The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, at the same venue. The team that wins the aggregate score will move closer to securing a spot at the Los Angeles Games, where Nigeria aims to return to the Olympics after a 16-year absence following their participation in Paris 2024.