Nigeria’s Super Falcons began their campaign under interim coach Austin Eguavoen with a 2-0 victory over Comoros in the first leg of their third-round qualifying tie for the 2028 Olympic Games.
Second-half goals from defender Michelle Alozie and forward Uchenna Kanu secured the victory for Nigeria at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Friday night.
The Super Falcons dominated the early exchanges but struggled to convert their chances, with wasteful finishing and a resilient Comoros defence keeping the game goalless in the first half.
One of Nigeria’s early opportunities fell to Kanu, who plays for Cruz Azul Femenil, but her effort struck the roof of the net in the 18th minute.
Four minutes later, Chicago Stars FC defender Alozie tested the Comoros goalkeeper with a low shot, but the effort was parried away for a corner.
Nigeria came close to breaking the deadlock in the 26th minute when captain Rasheedat Ajibade struck the woodwork, while Gloria Ogbonna failed to convert the rebound, sending her effort wide.
Despite sustained pressure from the 10-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions, Comoros held firm to force a goalless first half.
Nigeria returned from the break with renewed attacking intent, and their persistence paid off just three minutes into the second half.
Gift Monday, a forward for Boston Legacy FC, played a key role in the breakthrough, directing a header towards goal before Alozie reacted quickly to turn the ball home from close range.
The goal gave the Super Falcons the lead they had sought throughout the first half and shifted the momentum firmly in their favour.
Nigeria doubled their advantage around the hour mark when Kanu rose to head home Jennifer Echegini’s corner kick, putting the visitors firmly in control.
The Super Falcons continued to enjoy spells of possession in the closing stages but were unable to add to their tally as the match ended 2-0 in Nigeria’s favour.
The result gives Nigeria a two-goal advantage ahead of Tuesday’s return leg, which will also be played at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
Friday’s encounter was officially considered a home fixture for Comoros, also known as Les Coelacanths, because the island nation does not have a stadium approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host international matches.
The winner of the two-legged tie will advance to face Morocco in the next round of qualifying for the women’s football tournament at the 2028 Olympic Games.
