LA 2028 Olympics Race: Alozie, Kanu steer Super Falcons past Comoros in Ikenne-Remo
The Super Falcons secured a crucial 2-0 victory over the Comoros senior women’s national team in the first leg of their second round tie of the 2028 Olympic qualification series on Friday in Ikenne-Remo.
Though played on home soil, the fixture officially served as Comoros’ home leg. Led by interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, the 10-time African champions dominated proceedings from start to finish.
Eguavoen handed a starting berth to immediate past U-20 skipper Joy Igbokwe, who anchored the midfield to earn her senior debut.
Despite controlling the tempo early on, Nigeria struggled to convert their dominance. In the 11th minute, crisp attacking combinations unlocked the final third, but Toni Payne’s curling effort drifted off target.
Payne threatened again in the 26th minute, setting up Rasheedat Ajibade, whose strike crashed against the crossbar before Glory Ogbona failed to direct the rebound home.
The breakthrough finally arrived three minutes after the restart. In the 48th minute, Gift Monday nodded a cross into the danger area, allowing Michelle Alozie to break the deadlock with a composed right-footed tap-in.
Nigeria doubled their advantage on the hour-mark. Jennifer Echegini whipped in a precise corner kick, and Uchenna Kanu reacted quickest at close range to beat the goalkeeper with a header.
The interim technical crew introduced fresh legs into the proceedings, handing valuable minutes to emerging talent.
Janet Akekoromowei replaced Toni Payne in the 61st minute for her senior international debut, while Suliat Abideen took the place of Gift Monday in the 69th minute to earn her first cap.
Folashade Ijamilusi later replaced goalscorer Kanu in stoppage time to see out the closing moments.
Comoros, who advanced to this stage following a 30-0 aggregate win over Sudan in the previous round, struggled to cope with the tactical superiority and pressure of the Super Falcons.
The second leg takes place in Ikenne on Tuesday next week, with the aggregate winner advancing to face Morocco in the third round of the five-round African series.
