Super Falcons interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen says Nigeria has enough quality to overcome Comoros despite several withdrawals ahead of their Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifying tie.
The teams will meet on Friday, 9 October, and Tuesday, 13 October, with both matches scheduled for the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State.
According to the Nigeria Football Federation, Asisat Oshoala, Ashley Plumptre and Oluwatosin Demehin are among the players who withdrew from Eguavoen’s original squad.
Coach confident in replacements
Eguavoen said the replacements have the quality and experience to contribute to Nigeria’s performance.
“I have confidence in their replacements,” he said in comments published by the NFF.
The coach said preparations were focused on producing a competitive team for both matches. His confidence is an assessment ahead of the fixtures, rather than a guarantee of qualification.
Punch reported that captain Rasheedat Ajibade will lead the side. Players in camp include goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, midfielders Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne, and Jennifer Echegini, and forwards Uchenna Kanu and Gift Monday.
In the squad update issued on Wednesday, late invitee Blessing Okpe was still expected to join the Ijebu-Ode camp.
Both matches will be played in Nigeria
The NFF’s fixture announcement identifies Comoros as the designated home team for Friday’s first leg, with Nigeria hosting the return fixture.
Both games will nevertheless take place in Ikenne because Comoros does not have a CAF-approved venue for the matches.
This is a second-round tie.
Although the matches begin Nigeria’s campaign, they belong to the second round of the African qualifying competition.
CAF’s qualifying schedule places the second round in October 2026. Comoros progressed through the opening round, while Nigeria received a bye.
Victory over the two legs would send the Falcons into the third round, rather than directly into the Olympic tournament. Nigeria are seeking a second consecutive appearance after competing at Paris 2024.
Why it matters to Africa and the diaspora
The tie is an early step towards Olympic representation for both countries. For Nigerian supporters at home and across the diaspora, it also offers a chance to assess the Falcons under interim leadership and see how the squad responds to the absence of established players.
