AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s Super Falcons will begin their quest for qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles when they face Comoros in the first leg of their second-round qualifier at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, on Friday.
Kick-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Nigerian time on October 9, 2026, with the return leg taking place at the same venue on Tuesday, October 13.
Although Comoros are officially designated as the home team for the opening encounter, both legs will be played in Nigeria because the island nation does not have a Confederation of African Football-approved stadium for international fixtures.
The Super Falcons enter the tie in the second round after receiving a bye as one of the three highest-ranked teams in the African qualifying competition. Comoros, meanwhile, secured their place in this stage with a remarkable 30-0 aggregate victory over Sudan in the opening round, winning the first leg 17-0 before completing the rout with a 13-0 victory in the return fixture.
The result highlights the Comorians’ attacking threat, although they face a significantly tougher test against Nigeria, Africa’s record 10-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions.
The Super Falcons will be led by interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, who is assisted by Christopher Danjuma and former Nigeria international Ayisat Yusuf, while Olatunji Baruwa oversees the goalkeepers.
Eguavoen has assembled a 28-player squad featuring several of Nigeria’s most experienced internationals, including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, forward Asisat Oshoala, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Ashleigh Plumptre and Michelle Alozie, as well as Toni Payne, Gift Monday, Jennifer Echegini and Christy Ucheibe.
However, Nigeria must approach the encounter with caution despite their superior pedigree and home advantage. Comoros’ extraordinary goal return against Sudan suggests they possess attacking confidence, and the Nigerian technical crew will be keen to ensure the opposition are not given opportunities to build momentum.
For the Super Falcons, the immediate objective is to establish a commanding advantage across the two legs and move closer to another appearance at the Olympic Games.
Nigeria returned to the women’s Olympic football tournament at Paris 2024 after a 16-year absence and will be eager to secure one of the two African qualification slots available for Los Angeles 2028.
The qualification campaign consists of four two-legged knockout rounds. Progression past Comoros would take Nigeria into the third round, where they will meet Morocco
Comoros arrived in Nigeria earlier this week with a 22-player squad for the double-header, while Rwanda’s Henriette Byukusenge has been appointed to officiate Friday’s opening encounter.
With experienced attackers, established international stars and the weight of national expectations behind them, the Super Falcons will be aiming for a convincing start to their Olympic qualification campaign before the return fixture next Tuesday.
