Super Falcons ensured the win after Uchenna Kanu converted Jennifer Echegini’s corner kick to give Nigeria a 2–0 lead.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured an away victory over a hard-fighting Comoros side in the first leg of their second-round qualifying tie for the 2028 Olympic Games on Friday night.
Second-half goals from defender Michelle Alozie and Uchenna Kanu ensured the Austine Eguavoen-tutored team defeated their opponents 2–0 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.
Despite dominating the first half, the 10-time African champions struggled to break down their opponents before the interval.
One of the early chances fell to Kanu of Cruz Azul Femenil, but her shot rifled over the crossbar just 18 minutes into the clash.
About four minutes later, Chicago Stars FC’s Alozie drilled a low shot at goal, but the Comoros goalkeeper parried it away for a corner kick.
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In the 26th minute, Rasheedat Ajibade hit the woodwork in what could have been the opening goal of the match, while Gloria Ogbonna’s effort from the rebound went wide.
Nigeria continued to press for an opener, but Comoros held on as the game remained goalless at half-time.
The breakthrough finally came just two minutes into the second half, with Michelle Alozie scoring to put the Super Falcons ahead.
Austine Eguavoen’s side then doubled their advantage in the 60th minute through Uchenna Kanu, who made no mistake in converting Jennifer Echegini’s corner kick to give the Super Falcons a comfortable lead.
Both sides meet again in the return leg at the same venue, Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, next Tuesday. This is because the Confederation of African Football (CAF) considered the first-leg tie a home fixture for the Coelacanths of Comoros, who lack a stadium approved to host international matches.
The winner of the two-legged encounter will play Morocco in the next round of qualifiers for the women’s football tournament at the 2028 Olympic Games.
