Nigeria’s Super Falcons defeated Comoros 2-0 in the first leg of the second round of the qualifiers for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The match was played on Friday at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, with Comoros officially designated as the home team.
Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen led the 10-time African champions to victory, handing Joy Igbokwe her senior international debut after the midfielder previously captained Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team.
The Super Falcons controlled much of the first half but struggled to convert their chances.
In the 11th minute, Toni Payne came close to opening the scoring, but her curling effort went wide.
Payne created another opportunity in the 26th minute when she set up Rasheedat Ajibade, whose shot hit the crossbar. Glory Ogbona was unable to score from the rebound.
Nigeria finally took the lead three minutes into the second half. Gift Monday headed the ball into the danger area, allowing Michelle Alozie to score with a right-footed finish in the 48th minute.
The Super Falcons doubled their lead in the 60th minute when Uchenna Kanu headed home Jennifer Echegini’s corner kick.
Eguavoen also gave opportunities to new players during the match.
Janet Akekoromowei replaced Payne in the 61st minute to make her senior international debut, while Suliat Abideen came on for Gift Monday in the 69th minute to earn her first cap.
Goalscorer Kanu was later replaced by Folashade Ijamilusi in stoppage time.
Comoros had reached the second round after recording a 30-0 aggregate victory over Sudan in the previous round but struggled against Nigeria.
The Super Falcons will face Comoros again in the second leg on Tuesday in Ikenne. Nigeria will aim to protect their two-goal advantage and secure qualification for the third round.
If they progress, the Super Falcons will face Morocco as they continue their campaign to qualify for the women’s football event at the 2028 Olympic Games.
