OLYMPICS: Super Falcons beat Comoros in first round qualifying

Two goals from Michelle Alozie and Uchenna Kanu in the second half of the match ensured the Nigerian Super Falcons 2-0 victory against Comoros in the first leg of the second round of qualifying for the 2028 Olympics.

The match played at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne on Friday, was officially Comoros’ home game. Both legs took place in Nigeria because the island nation does not have a CAF-approved venue.

The Falcons created several chances in a goalless first half, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade’s shot hitting the post. Comoros defended resolutely to reach the break level.

Nigeria managed to break through three minutes after the start of the second half.

Alozie, who plays for the Houston Dash, finished from close range in the 48th minute. He almost added a second goal not long after, but the Comoros goalkeeper managed to thwart his effort.

Kanu made it 2-0 in the 59th minute, heading the ball in to give the Falcons a two-goal lead. Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen then replaced Toni Payne with Semeihya Janet in the 61st minute in search of more goals.

19-year-old Janet is one of several changes aimed at the third goal. Kanu had a chance to score his second goal in the 71st minute, but his shot from outside the penalty box was weak and could be saved easily.

Comoros reached this stage after beating Sudan 30-0 on aggregate, winning 17-0 and 13-0, while Nigeria received a bye into the second round. Eguavoen had said before the match that conditions were going well in the camp.

The second leg will be held on Tuesday, October 13, at the same location.

The aggregate winner moves closer to a berth at the Los Angeles Olympics, where Nigeria hopes to appear in back-to-back Olympics after returning to Paris 2024 after a 16-year absence.