Nigeria’s Super Falcons booked their place in the third round of the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers after thrashing Comoros 5-0 in Tuesday’s return fixture at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Footynaija.com reports.
The emphatic victory completed a 7-0 aggregate triumph for interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen’s side, who will now face Morocco in their next qualifying tie.
Toni Payne and Uchenna Kanu both scored twice, while Christy Ucheibe converted a penalty as Nigeria produced a far more convincing attacking display to finish the job.
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However, the result was not without concern, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade forced off with an injury in the first half.
Here are four key takeaways from the Super Falcons’ victory.
1. Super Falcons finally turn dominance into goals
One of the biggest positives from Tuesday’s encounter was Nigeria’s improved ability to convert their attacking superiority into goals.
Although the Falcons won the first leg 2-0, they had to wait until the second half to break down Comoros after missing several opportunities.
The return fixture initially threatened to follow a similar pattern, with Gift Monday missing an early chance and the visitors resisting Nigeria’s pressure.
Toni Payne eventually broke the deadlock in the 41st minute after Uchenna Kanu capitalised on a goalkeeping error and squared the ball into her path.
Nigeria became more ruthless after the interval, with Kanu and Payne both completing their braces before Ucheibe added a fifth from the penalty spot.
The performance will give Eguavoen encouragement as he prepares his side for tougher opposition, although the Falcons will need to maintain that efficiency when their chances are harder to come by.
2. Ajibade’s injury casts a shadow over Nigeria’s victory
While the goals provided plenty of reasons to celebrate, the sight of Rasheedat Ajibade leaving the pitch injured was a worrying moment for the Super Falcons.
The captain was forced off in the first half following a heavy collision and was replaced by Folashade Ijamilusi.
Ajibade left the pitch in tears, raising serious concerns about the severity of her injury. The Paris Saint-Germain forward has been taken to the hospital for an MRI scan to evaluate the precise nature and severity of the ankle damage.
3. Eguavoen has made a case for himself, but Morocco will offer a real test
Two victories, seven goals scored and no goals conceded represent an encouraging start to Eguavoen’s interim spell with the Super Falcons.
After a relatively patient 2-0 win in the first leg, Nigeria showed greater attacking prowess in the return fixture, with Payne and Kanu leading the charge.
The coach also saw his team maintain their defensive discipline across both matches, completing the tie without allowing Comoros to score.
Those results strengthen Eguavoen’s case, but the question of whether he is the right man to lead Nigeria into the next stage cannot be settled by the aggregate score alone.
Comoros offered limited resistance compared with the challenge Nigeria are likely to face against Morocco. The next tie will demand tactical flexibility, defensive organisation and the ability to handle pressure against a stronger opponent.
4. Morocco tie will reveal how far the Falcons have progressed
Nigeria can take confidence from their commanding victory, but the focus must now shift to the challenge ahead.
Morocco await in the third round, setting up a considerably more demanding test in the race to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The Falcons have demonstrated their attacking potential, with Payne and Kanu both showing their finishing ability across the two legs. Their defensive record also provides a positive foundation.
However, Nigeria must build on those strengths while addressing any shortcomings exposed during the tie, including their early wastefulness in front of goal.
The victory over Comoros gives Nigeria momentum and a place in the next stage, but the Morocco encounter will provide a clearer indication of whether Eguavoen’s side are ready to take another step towards Olympic qualification.
