On Tuesday, Nigeria secured a resounding 5-0 victory against Comoros during the second leg of their second-round encounter in the 2028 Olympic women’s football qualifiers. Hosted at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, this commanding win cemented a 7-0 aggregate triumph, propelling the Super Falcons smoothly into the third round of the qualifying series.
Toni Payne (brace), Uchenna Kalu (brace) and Christy Ucheibe were all on the scoresheet as Austin Eguavoen’s team stamped their authority in the second half.
Despite losing captain Rasheedat Ajibade to injury in the first half, Nigeria capitalized on the Comoros goalkeeper’s hesitation to steal the ball and take the lead through Payne’s composed finish.
The lead was extended twice by Kanu with a header on 58 minutes for 2-0, and Payne with another cool finish for 3-0 on 63 minutes. Kanu joined Payne to become the second player with two goals in the match with another composed finish, before a penalty was awarded on 71 minutes for foul on Blessing Okpe.
Midfielder Ucheibe slotted home the kick to seal the deserved win as Nigeria breezed into the third round of the series.
The Super Falcons will face Morocco in the third round of the Olympics qualifier, where victory in the two-legged tie will bring the dream of a fifth Olympics participation closer for Nigeria’s female national team.
What You Should Know
The Super Falcons delivered a dominant performance against Comoros, winning 5-0 on the day and 7-0 on aggregate to advance in the 2028 Olympics qualification race. Goals from Toni Payne, Uchenna Kalu, and Christy Ucheibe propelled the Nigerian team forward despite losing their captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, to an early injury. They are now set to face Morocco in the crucial third round.
- Positive Impact: Boosts national pride and highlights the continued dominance and resilience of Nigerian women’s football on the international stage as they chase another Olympic appearance.
- Potential Concerns: The injury to captain Rasheedat Ajibade raises fitness and depth concerns ahead of the much tougher upcoming two-legged encounter against Morocco.
