Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen believes the Super Falcons are primed for the 2028 Olympic qualifying campaign, and he wants them to show it from the first whistle 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,” Eguavoen said.
The Falcons open the second-round African qualifier at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Friday. Their target is a place at the Los Angeles Games.
With every player present in camp, Eguavoen has a full selection pool and wants a strong showing over both legs.
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Rasheedat Ajibade wears the armband, with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Michelle Alozie, Toni Payne, Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini among the seasoned names around her.
Nigeria skipped the first round thanks to a bye, so this tie marks their competitive debut in the race. Comoros arrive on a high after thrashing Sudan 30-0 across two legs, winning 17-0 at home and 13-0 in the return.
Those numbers prove the visitors can score freely, but the Falcons offer a far tougher challenge. Nigeria remain one of the most decorated sides on the continent, and the coach expects that pedigree to count.
Nigeria last played at the Olympics in Beijing in 2008. The Falcons also featured in 1996, 2000 and 2004, and they have chased a return ever since. Every qualifying campaign since has ended in disappointment, which adds weight to this opening tie.
The scheduling carries a quirk. Both legs will be played in Nigeria. Friday’s match is officially Comoros’ home fixture, but the island nation lacks a stadium approved by CAF, so Ikenne hosts instead.
The Falcons know the pitch and the surroundings, an edge Eguavoen must convert into goals.
A commanding win would give Nigeria breathing room before the second leg on October 13, only four days later. A slip, on the other hand, would pile pressure on a short turnaround and invite the kind of drama the Falcons want to avoid.
Eguavoen’s message is clear: begin sharply, keep concentration and take the first step toward Olympic qualification. It all starts in Ikenne.
