Super Falcons interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen has played down concerns over the absence of several key players ahead of Nigeria’s 2028 Olympic qualifying fixture against Comoros. Nigeria will face Comoros in a two-leg second-round tie, with both matches scheduled to take place at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on October 9 and 13. The matches are being hosted in Nigeria after Comoros were unable to provide a suitable standard football pitch in their country.
The Super Falcons will be without several notable players, including Asisat Oshoala, Oluwatosin Demehin, Flourish Sabastine and Ashleigh Plumptre, who have withdrawn from the squad. However, Eguavoen remains confident that the players available in camp have what it takes to secure a positive result. “It is true that we have a number of withdrawals, notably Asisat Oshoala, Ashley Plumptre and Oluwatosin Demehin,” Eguavoen was quoted by thenff.com.
“However, I have confidence in their replacements as these players also have the quality and experience to contribute meaningfully to the team’s success against Comoros.
“Everyone has settled in well in camp as we have a full house now, and our focus is to present a strong and competitive squad for the two matches.” Belarus-based forward Blessing Okpe, who received a late invitation, is the only player still expected to join the team’s camp in Ijebu-Ode.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade will lead the Falcons as they begin their quest for a second successive appearance at the Women’s Football Tournament of the Olympic Games, having featured at Paris 2024. The Super Falcons must overcome Comoros across the two legs to advance to the third round of the five-round African qualifying series. The third-round tie is scheduled to be decided in March 2027