Alozie and Kanu Goals Give Super Falcons Olympic Qualifying Advantage

Posted : 10 October 2026

The Super Falcons moved closer to the third round of the African qualifying series for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games after defeating Comoros 2-0 in Friday’s first-leg encounter in Ikenne-Remo.

Second-half goals from Michelle Alozie and Uchenna Kanu gave Nigeria a comfortable advantage ahead of the return fixture scheduled for Tuesday at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

Although the encounter was officially designated as Comoros’ home leg, the 10-time African champions controlled much of the game under interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, using their technical quality and attacking depth to dictate proceedings.

However, Nigeria’s dominance did not immediately translate into goals, as the Falcons struggled to convert their early chances.

Toni Payne threatened in the 11th minute with a curling effort that missed the target before combining with Rasheedat Ajibade to create another opportunity in the 26th minute.

Ajibade’s subsequent effort struck the crossbar, but Glory Ogbona was unable to convert the rebound as Comoros survived another spell of Nigerian pressure.

The breakthrough finally arrived three minutes into the second half when Gift Monday delivered a cross into the danger area, allowing Alozie to finish calmly with her right foot in the 48th minute.

Nigeria doubled their advantage on the hour mark through Kanu, who rose to meet Jennifer Echegini’s well-delivered corner and headed the ball into the net.

The second goal rewarded the Falcons’ persistent attacking pressure and left Comoros facing a difficult challenge ahead of Tuesday’s return leg.

Beyond the result, the match also provided an opportunity for the coaching staff to assess emerging talent, with Joy Igbokwe making her senior international debut after previously captaining Nigeria’s under-20 side.

Janet Akekoromowei also earned her first senior cap when she replaced Payne in the 61st minute, while Suliat Abideen made her international debut after coming on for Monday in the 69th minute.

Folashade Ijamilusi subsequently replaced Kanu in stoppage time as Nigeria managed the closing stages of the encounter.

Comoros entered the tie after recording an emphatic 30-0 aggregate victory over Sudan in the previous qualifying round. However, the island nation struggled to reproduce that attacking form against a more experienced Nigerian side.

The victory gives the Falcons a valuable advantage, although they must complete the job in the return fixture to secure progression to the next stage.

The winner on aggregate will advance to the third round of the five-round African qualifying series, where Morocco awaits.

For Nigeria, Friday’s result provided a positive start to their Olympic qualification campaign. Attention will now turn to Tuesday’s return leg, where the Falcons will aim to protect their advantage and move one step closer to securing a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Alozie and Kanu Goals Give Super Falcons Olympic Qualifying Advantage

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