Nigeria’s Super Falcons took an important step towards qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games after defeating Comoros 2-0 in the first leg of their second-round qualifying tie on Friday at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.
Second-half goals from Michelle Alozie and Uchenna Kanu secured the victory for Nigeria, giving the African giants a two-goal advantage ahead of the return fixture scheduled for Tuesday, October 13.
The encounter was officially designated as Comoros’ home match, but both legs of the tie are being played in Nigeria because the island nation does not have a Confederation of African Football-approved stadium for international fixtures.
Nigeria entered the contest determined to establish an early advantage in their quest to secure a second consecutive appearance at the Olympic women’s football tournament, having returned to the competition at Paris 2024 after a 16-year absence.
Despite their superiority in experience, the Falcons initially struggled to turn their attacking opportunities into goals during a first half in which Comoros defended resolutely.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade came close to breaking the deadlock, but her effort struck the woodwork as Nigeria continued searching for an opening against a determined Comoros defence.
The visitors managed to keep the score level until the interval, frustrating Nigeria’s attacking players and forcing the Falcons to remain patient in their pursuit of the breakthrough.
However, Nigeria needed only three minutes after the restart to find the net.
Alozie, who plays for Houston Dash in the United States, broke the deadlock in the 48th minute with a close-range finish, rewarding the Falcons for their persistence and giving the team the lead they had sought throughout the opening half.
The goal provided Nigeria with renewed confidence, and Alozie nearly doubled her tally shortly afterwards. Her subsequent effort, however, was kept out by the Comoros goalkeeper, who prevented the deficit from increasing further.
Nigeria continued applying pressure, and their persistence paid off again in the 59th minute when Kanu headed home to extend the advantage to 2-0.
The second goal gave the Falcons greater control of the contest and placed them in a stronger position ahead of Tuesday’s return leg.
Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen subsequently introduced Semeihya Janet for Toni Payne in the 61st minute as Nigeria sought to increase their advantage and put the tie beyond Comoros’ reach.
The substitution was part of the coaching team’s attempt to inject fresh energy into the attack and create more scoring opportunities.
Kanu had another chance to add to the scoreline in the 71st minute when she attempted a shot from outside the penalty area. Her effort lacked sufficient power, however, and was comfortably saved by the Comoros goalkeeper.
Although the Falcons were unable to add a third goal, their two-goal victory represented a positive start to their Olympic qualifying campaign.
Comoros entered the second round after an extraordinary 30-0 aggregate victory over Sudan in the opening phase, winning the first leg 17-0 before completing the rout with a 13-0 victory in the return fixture.
Nigeria, meanwhile, received a bye into the second round because of their standing in African women’s football.
The Falcons will now turn their attention to Tuesday’s return leg at the same venue, where they will seek to protect their advantage and secure progression to the third round of qualifying.
Victory over Comoros on aggregate would move Nigeria closer to securing one of Africa’s two available places at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
For the Falcons, the assignment carries additional importance following their disappointing campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where they failed to reach the final stages needed to secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Olympic qualifiers therefore offer Nigeria an opportunity to respond positively and demonstrate their determination to remain among the continent’s leading women’s football nations.
With Alozie and Kanu delivering the goals in the opening leg, the Falcons have given themselves a useful advantage. However, they must maintain their concentration in the return fixture to complete the job and keep their Olympic ambitions firmly on course.
