Fourteen Super Falcons players have reported to camp as Nigeria begin preparations for their 2028 Olympic qualifying clash with Comoros.
The players arrived ahead of the two-legged second round tie, with the first meeting scheduled for Friday, October 9 and the return four days later on October 13.
Both matches will be played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, with Comoros unable to provide a CAF-approved venue for international fixtures.
The players currently in camp are Farida Abdulwahab, Tumininu Adeshina, Joy Igbokwe, Fatimoh Solaty, Christiana Uzoma, Blessing Nkor, Valentina Uroko, Glory Edet, Sandra John, Shukurat Oladipo, Shakirat Moshood, Glory Ogbonna, Favour Omenazu and Suliat Abideen.
Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen had initially invited 28 players for the Olympic assignment, including established names such as captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Asisat Oshoala, Michelle Alozie, Jennifer Echegini and Ashleigh Plumptre.
The squad also contains a significant injection of youth, with six players from Nigeria’s Falconets setup receiving invitations. Four of them featured at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, where Nigeria reached the quarterfinals before a late 1-0 defeat by Colombia.
The Olympic assignment gives Eguavoen’s side an opportunity to begin a new qualification cycle after a disappointing 2026 campaign.
readmore: Portugal reaffirm Ronaldo support as Jorge Jesus opens door for reunion
Nigeria were eliminated by Cameroon in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations before losing 2-1 to South Africa in the subsequent World Cup qualification playoff, meaning the Super Falcons will not feature at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Their attention now turns to Los Angeles. Nigeria are one of three highest-ranked African teams that received a bye into the second round of the Olympic qualifiers, alongside South Africa and Ghana.
The continental qualifying competition involves 35 teams and will be played over five knockout rounds, with only two nations ultimately securing Africa’s places at the 2028 Olympic Games.
Comoros, meanwhile, arrive with an extraordinary scoreline behind them.
The island nation advanced from the opening round after beating Sudan 30-0 on aggregate, winning the first leg 17-0 before completing the rout with a 13-0 victory in the return fixture.
That result set up a significant step up in opposition for Comoros, who now face a Nigeria side that has won a record 10 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Nigeria made their fourth Olympic appearance at Paris 2024, having previously featured at Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008. Their best finish remains a quarterfinal appearance at Athens 2004.
The Paris campaign ended in the group stage after defeats by Brazil, Spain and Japan, but qualification itself ended a 16-year wait for another Olympic appearance.
The road to Los Angeles will be considerably longer. Should Nigeria eliminate Comoros, they will advance to the third round scheduled for February 23 to March 6, 2027.
The fourth round is scheduled for October 2027, while the final qualifying round will take place between November 23 and December 4, 2027.
Super Falcons players currently in camp
- Farida Abdulwahab
- Tumininu Adeshina
- Joy Igbokwe
- Fatimoh Solaty
- Christiana Uzoma
- Blessing Nkor
- Valentina Uroko
- Glory Edet
- Sandra John
- Shukurat Oladipo
- Shakirat Moshood
- Glory Ogbonna
- Favour Omenazu
- Suliat Abideen
More players expected in camp before Friday’s opening leg.
Pingback: CAF apologises to Super Eagles, bans Guinea-Bissau stadium over poor pitch - The Athletic NG