Nigeria’s Super Falcons have started preparations for their 2028 Olympics qualifying tie against Comoros, with 14 players taking part in Monday evening’s training session in Ikenne.
The 10 time African champions will face Comoros on Friday at the Remo Stars Stadium. The two teams will meet again at the same venue on Tuesday evening for the return leg.
Nigeria returned to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament two years ago after a 16 year absence. The Super Falcons now want to secure another appearance when the Olympics take place in Los Angeles in 2028.
Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen has also made several changes to his squad ahead of the two leg tie.
Eguavoen released Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Favour Nkwocha back to the Flamingos. Adegbuyi won the Most Valuable Player award at the recently concluded WAFU B U17 Girls Cup competition in Yamoussoukro.
Nkwocha, meanwhile, featured for the Falconets at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland. The Flamingos are due to leave Nigeria on Wednesday for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in Morocco.
Super Falcons Manage Several Squad Changes
Defender Ashley Plumptre asked to miss the games because of a sprain and ligament injury. Meanwhile, SL Benfica duo Oluwatosin Demehin and Flourish Sabastine will remain in Portugal as they pursue resident permits.
Five time Africa Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala also asked to be excused from the squad. As a result, Eguavoen called up Belarus based former U20 forward Blessing Okpe.
The Super Falcons expect 11 more players to join the camp. The group includes defender Michelle Alozie, midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini, captain Rasheedat Ajibade and forward Gift Monday.
Nigeria already has 14 players in camp as preparations continue for the opening leg against Comoros.
In camp
Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma.
Defenders: Farida Abdulwahab, Tumininu Adeshina, Valentina Uroko, Glory Edet, Shukurat Oladipo, Glory Ogbonna.
Midfielders: Oluchi Omenazu, Joy Igbokwe, Fatimoh Solaty, Suliat Abideen.
Forwards: Shakirat Moshood, Blessing Nkor, Sandra John.
Expected
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Comfort Erhabor.
Defender: Michelle Alozie.
Midfielders: Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne, Jennifer Echegini.
Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade, Gift Monday, Joy Omewa, Janet Akekoromowei, Uchenna Kanu.
The Super Falcons will continue their preparations in Ikenne as Eguavoen works to build a strong squad for the two matches.
Nigeria will need to take control of the tie at home before the second meeting on Tuesday. A successful result would move the Falcons closer to another appearance at the Olympic Games.
