The Super Falcons of Nigeria will host the Coelacanths of Comoros on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo as they begin their qualifying campaign for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
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Though the 10-time African champions are clear favourites, they must be at their best to defeat Comoros, as there are no minnows in African football. Besides, the 187th-ranked islanders are in confident mood after thrashing Sudan 30-0 on aggregate in the first round.
The Falcons have a point to prove having struggled at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and missed the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after a 2-1 loss to South Africa in the African play-off.
Massive Withdrawals as Players Suffer Injuries
At least four invited players have pulled out of the two-legged tie due to injury and resident permit issues.
Benfica’s new acquisitions, Tosin Demehin and Flourish Sabastine, reportedly could not join the team because of resident permit processes. Asisat Oshoala, the five-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, reportedly asked to be excused from the encounter, while defender Ashleigh Plumptre pulled out over injury concerns.
Confirming the reports, Eguavoen told NFF TV:
“It is true that we have several withdrawals, notably Asisat Oshoala, Ashley Plumptre and Oluwatosin Demehin.”
New Invitees in Good Shape and Ready to Go
Following the unavailability of the regular first-team players, the technical crew extended a debut invitation to England-born midfielder Favour Omenazu, who captains MK Dons Women in England.
Folashade Ijamilusi, who plays her club football in China and was initially left out of the squad, was given a late call by the coach.
At the time of this report, all the replacements are in camp and ready to help the team pick up an expected victory over Comoros.
“Everyone has settled in well in camp as we have a full house now, and our focus is to present a strong and competitive squad for the two matches,” Eguavoen confirmed.
Falcons Tipped to Defeat Comoros Convincingly
Coach Augustine Eguavoen is confident the African giants will play good football, entertain the fans, and win convincingly.
The former Super Eagles coach, who guided Nigeria’s men to bronze at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations, is handling the Falcons for the first time, and a strong start at home would go a long way towards settling the team.
According to him, the replacements have all it takes to help the team achieve success against Comoros.
“I have confidence in their replacements, as they also have the quality and experience to contribute meaningfully to the team’s success against Comoros,” he concluded.
Despite the late withdrawals, the Super Falcons have the quality, the experience and the home advantage to get the job done against Comoros. However, Nigeria must avoid complacency and take their chances early.
A convincing win on Friday would put the Falcons in a commanding position before the return leg and keep their Olympic dream on course.
