Nigeria's Super Falcons have booked their place in the third round of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifiers. The nine-time African champions thrashed Comoros 5-0 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Tuesday.
The result completed a 7-0 aggregate victory over the islanders. Nigeria had won the first leg 2-0 away.
Inter Milan forward Toni Payne and Cruz Azul striker Uchenna Kanu scored twice each. Christy Ucheibe converted a penalty to complete the rout.
The Super Falcons are Nigeria’s senior women’s national team. They have won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations a record nine times and reached the quarter-finals of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
The team is chasing a fifth Olympic appearance. Nigeria previously featured at Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and Paris 2024.
Payne Breaks the Deadlock Before Ajibade Injury
Nigeria struggled to break down a stubborn Comoros defence in the opening half. Payne finally broke the deadlock in the 41st minute.
Kanu capitalised on a goalkeeping error before squaring the ball for her teammate to finish. Nigeria went into the break with a 1-0 lead.
However, the Falcons suffered a setback when captain Rasheedat Ajibade was stretchered off with an ankle injury. She left the pitch in tears and was replaced by Folashade Ijamilusi.
Ajibade plays for Atletico Madrid and is one of Nigeria’s most important players. Her fitness could shape the team’s chances in the next round.
Kanu and Okpe Drive Second-Half Goal Rush
The Falcons returned from the interval with renewed intensity. Kanu doubled their advantage in the 58th minute, rising to head home an Ijamilusi cross.
Five minutes later, substitute Blessing Okpe dribbled past two defenders before setting up Payne. The forward calmly completed her brace.
Ijamilusi delivered another decisive cross in the 66th minute. Kanu headed home her second goal of the match to extend Nigeria's lead.
Okpe continued to torment the Comoros defence and won a penalty after being fouled inside the box. Ucheibe stepped up in the 71st minute and converted confidently.
Okpe had been introduced for Gift Monday at half-time. She made an immediate impact with an assist and the penalty she won. Ijamilusi also impressed with two assists.
Morocco Await in March 2027
The Super Falcons kept clean sheets in both legs of the tie. The result gave interim coach Augustine Eguavoen an emphatic start to the next phase of the campaign.
Eguavoen is a former Nigeria international and has coached the Super Eagles in previous spells. He took charge of the Falcons on an interim basis for this qualifying window.
Nigeria will now face Morocco in a two-legged third-round encounter. The matches are scheduled for March 2027.
Morocco advanced automatically after Congo-Brazzaville withdrew from the competition. The North Africans will enter the tie fresh, having not played a competitive qualifier in this window.
Victory over Morocco would move the Falcons a step closer to Los Angeles. The 2028 Olympic Games will be held in the United States.
Morocco beat Nigeria in the group stage of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. However, Nigeria went on to win the tournament.
The Falcons will need to manage Ajibade’s injury carefully before the March tie. Her availability could prove decisive against a strong Moroccan side.
