Interim Super Falcons coach Augustine Eguavoen has backed Nigeria’s replacements to deliver against Comoros despite the withdrawals of experienced players Asisat Oshoala and Ashleigh Plumptre ahead of their 2028 Olympic qualifying tie.
Nigeria face Comoros in the first leg of their second round African qualifying tie at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on Friday, with the return leg also scheduled for the same venue on Tuesday.
The two matches were moved to Nigeria after Comoros failed to provide a CAF-approved venue, leaving the Super Falcons with home advantage for both legs as they begin their bid for a second successive Olympic appearance.
Eguavoen initially named Oshoala and Plumptre in his squad, but both players subsequently withdrew from the assignment.
Plumptre, who missed the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations because of a foot injury, was recalled for the Olympic qualifiers before requesting to be excused after suffering a ligament injury. Oshoala was also granted permission to miss the matches.
Benfica duo Oluwatosin Demehin and Flourish Sabastine will also miss the tie because of residency permit issues, while Belarus-based forward Blessing Okpe was brought in as a replacement for Oshoala.
Despite the changes, Eguavoen believes Nigeria still have enough quality within the squad to handle the challenge.
“It is true that we have a number of withdrawals, notably Asisat Oshoala, Ashley Plumptre and Oluwatosin Demehin,” Eguavoen told NFF media.
“However, I have confidence in their replacements as these ones also have the quality and experience to contribute meaningfully to the team’s success against Comoros.”
The coach added that the squad had now settled into camp and was focused on producing a strong performance across the two matches.
“Everyone has settled in well in camp as we have a full house now, and our focus is to present a strong and competitive squad for the two matches,” he said.
readmore: Motsepe ends AFCON 2027 speculation, confirms Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda
Nigeria will rely on a core of experienced players including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Toni Payne, Christy Ucheibe, Jennifer Echegini and Michelle Alozie as they begin their Olympic qualification campaign.
The Super Falcons received a bye into the second round because of their FIFA ranking, while Comoros reached this stage after a remarkable 30-0 aggregate victory over Sudan, winning the first leg 17-0 before completing the tie with a 13-0 victory in the return match.
For Nigeria, qualification would mean another appearance at the Olympic women’s football tournament after returning to the competition at Paris 2024 following a 16-year absence.
But the Super Falcons enter the qualifying campaign after a difficult period in which they failed to reach the semi finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in their history.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
That result also cost Nigeria a direct route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. They were subsequently placed in the playoff route but lost 2-1 to South Africa, leaving the Olympic qualifiers as another opportunity to restore momentum.
The defensive department will receive attention against Comoros, with Plumptre and Demehin unavailable and Osinachi Ohale having retired from international football last month.
Pingback: ‘We want the best pitch in Africa’: Dikko reveals scale of Abuja Stadium revamp - The Athletic NG