The Super Falcons of Nigeria opened their 2028 Olympic qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Comoros in the first leg of their third-round encounter at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.
Second-half goals from defender Michelle Alozie and forward Uchenna Kanu secured the win on Friday night, giving Nigeria an advantage ahead of Tuesday’s return fixture. The match also marked a winning start for the Super Falcons under interim coach Austine Eguavoen.
Nigeria dominated much of the first half but struggled to convert their chances. Kanu came close to opening the scoring in the 18th minute, but her effort went over the crossbar.
Four minutes later, Chicago Stars FC defender Alozie tested the Comoros goalkeeper with a low shot that was turned away for a corner. Rasheedat Ajibade struck the woodwork in the 26th minute, while Gloria Ogbonna failed to convert the rebound as Comoros held firm to keep the score level at half-time.
The breakthrough came just three minutes after the restart. Gift Monday headed the ball towards goal, allowing Alozie to finish from close range and put Nigeria ahead. The Super Falcons extended their lead around the hour mark when Kanu headed home a corner delivered by Jennifer Echegini.
Nigeria maintained its advantage for the remainder of the match, finishing with a two-goal lead despite missing several opportunities in the opening half.
Second Leg on Tuesday
The teams will meet again on Tuesday at the same venue for the second leg. The fixture is officially a home match for Comoros, which lacks a stadium approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host international matches. The aggregate winner of the two-legged tie will advance to face Morocco in the next round of qualifying for the women’s football tournament at the 2028 Olympic Games.
Nigeria, the 10-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions, will look to complete the job in the return leg and move closer to securing an Olympic berth.
