The Super Falcons defeated Comoros 2-0 in the first leg of their second-round tie in the 2028 Olympic qualifiers in Ikenne-Remo on Friday.
Despite playing on Nigerian soil, the match was officially designated as Comoros’ home leg. Nigeria dominated under interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, with Michelle Alozie and Uchenna Kanu scoring in the second half.
Former U-20 captain Joy Igbokwe made her senior international debut after earning a place in the starting lineup, anchoring Nigeria’s midfield.
The Super Falcons created several chances in the first half but struggled to find the breakthrough. Toni Payne fired wide in the 11th minute before Rasheedat Ajibade struck the crossbar from Payne’s pass in the 26th minute. Glory Ogbona failed to convert the rebound.
Nigeria took the lead in the 48th minute when Gift Monday nodded a cross into the danger area, allowing Alozie to finish with a right-footed effort.
Kanu doubled the advantage on the hour mark, heading home Jennifer Echegini’s corner to give the African champions a comfortable cushion.
Eguavoen’s technical crew made three late substitutions, with Janet Akekoromowei making her senior debut after replacing Payne in the 61st minute. Suliat Abideen came on for Monday in the 69th minute to earn her first cap, while Folashade Ijamilusi replaced Kanu in stoppage time.
Comoros, who reached the second round after a 30-0 aggregate victory over Sudan, struggled to match Nigeria’s intensity. The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday in Ikenne, with the aggregate winner advancing to face Morocco in the third round of the African qualifying series.
