From Payne'S Masterclass To Call For Eguavoen'S Stay: Five Talking Points From Super Falcons October International Break

The October international break has come and gone, but not without some talking points as the Super Falcons of Nigeria began the journey to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games under a new interim coach.

The ten-time African champions were involved in two games against Comoros at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo as Comoros have no CAF-approved stadium. 

Augustine Eguavoen's side won the first leg 2-0 on Friday, October 9, before thrashing the Coelacanths 5-0 four days later to complete a 7-0 aggregate victory. Having monitored both games, here are five talking points:

1. Heavy Victory, Total Dominance Over Two Legs

Seven goals scored, none conceded. The numbers tell the story of a tie the Super Falcons controlled from start to finish.

In the first leg, Nigeria dominated the opening 45 minutes but could not find a way past Comoros goalkeeper Aicha Said, who made several saves. The breakthrough came three minutes after the restart when Michelle Alozie tapped in from Gift Monday's header, and Uchenna Kanu doubled the lead with a header in the 60th minute.

The second leg was a different story as Toni Payne opened the scoring in the 41st minute after Kanu pounced on a goalkeeping error. Kanu then headed home from a Folashade Ijamilusi cross in the 58th minute, Payne added her second five minutes later, and Kanu got her second in the 66th minute.

Christy Ucheibe calmly converted a penalty in the 71st minute to complete the rout. Nigeria also kept clean sheets in both legs, with the new centre-back pairing of Shukurat Oladipo and Ucheibe looking composed. 

2. Debutants Joy Igbokwe and Blessing Okpe Stood Out

Eguavoen used the double-header to blood fresh faces, with about 14 of the invited players receiving their first call-ups.

Joy Igbokwe, captain of the Falconets, made her senior debut in the first leg and started as the midfield pivot in Eguavoen's system. It was a significant responsibility for a player making her first senior appearance, and she handled it well. 

Janet Akekoromowei and Suliat Abideen also earned their first caps off the bench in the first leg.

Blessing Okpe, on the other hand, made her debut in the return leg. The Belarus-based was introduced for Gift Monday in the second half and she gave a good account of herself. 

She won the penalty converted by Ucheibe and provided the assist for Payne's second goal after dribbling past two defenders.

Barring fitness issues, both Igbokwe and Okpe have given the coach food for thought ahead of the next camp.

3. Calls for Eguavoen's Permanent Stay, But Comoros Is Not the Yardstick

Eguavoen was appointed interim coach in early September after the NFF dismissed Justin Madugu's technical crew following the team's WAFCON exit and failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. 

Two wins and a 7-0 aggregate have understandably prompted calls in some quarters for the former Super Eagles coach to be handed the job permanently. The argument is that continuity, a quick return to winning ways, and a cheaper alternative to a foreign appointment make a strong case.

However, while Eguavoen did well in both fixtures, Comoros’ challenge shouldn't be the determining factor as they are ranked 187th in the world, while Nigeria sit 36th. 

A decision of this magnitude should be based on how the team performs against opposition of real quality, not on a double-header against a side ranked 187th in the world.

4. Toni Payne Impressive Over Both Legs

If there was one player who consistently looked like she belonged on a bigger stage, it was Inter Milan's Toni Payne.

In the first leg, she was at the heart of almost everything Nigeria did well in a frustrating first half. She had a curling effort in the 11th minute that went wide, and she set up captain Rasheedat Ajibade in the 26th minute, whose strike crashed against the crossbar.

In the second leg, she turned creator into finisher, scoring twice in the 41st and 63rd minutes. She operated alongside Igbokwe and Jennifer Echegini in a midfield that gave the team control, and she was among the players singled out for praise by local media after the game.

With the Super Falcons searching for leaders in a new era, Payne's performances suggest she can be one of them.

5. Ajibade Injury Was The Only Blight

Ajibade captained the side in the first leg and was again in the starting line-up for the return, but her night ended in tears.

The forward suffered an ankle injury and was replaced by Ijamilusi in the first half of the return leg. 

The Super Falcons fans will be hoping for good news, as her pace, directness and experience will be vital against stronger opposition.