Eguavoen Banks on Falcons Squad Depth for Comoros Olympic Qualifier

Posted : 08 October 2026

Super Falcons interim Head Coach, Augustine Eguavoen, says Nigeria have enough quality in camp to overcome Comoros in their opening 2028 Olympic Women’s Football Tournament qualifying tie despite several withdrawals from the original squad.

Nigeria will face Comoros in a two-leg second-round encounter on Oct. 9 and 13, with both matches scheduled for the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo.

The arrangement became necessary because Comoros do not have a standard football pitch suitable for hosting the fixture.

While the absence of key players including Asisat Oshoala, Ashley Plumptre and Oluwatosin Demehin could have raised concerns, Eguavoen believes their replacements are capable of filling the gaps.

“It is true that we have a number of withdrawals, notably Asisat Oshoala, Ashley Plumptre and Oluwatosin Demehin.

“However, I have confidence in their replacements as these ones also have the quality and experience to contribute meaningfully to the team’s success against 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 said.

Belarus-based forward Blessing Okpe, who received a late invitation, is the only player still expected to join the squad at its Ijebu-Ode camp.

The Falcons will be led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade as they begin their pursuit of a second successive appearance at the Olympic Women’s Football Tournament.

Nigeria featured at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and will be seeking to secure another place at the global showpiece in Los Angeles in 2028.

The 10-time African champions must first negotiate the Comoros hurdle before turning their attention to the subsequent rounds of the qualification series.

A victory on aggregate over the two legs will send Nigeria into the third round, which is scheduled to be decided in March 2027.

With Eguavoen placing emphasis on the strength of the squad rather than the players unavailable, the Falcons will be expected to make a commanding start to their Olympic qualification campaign.

Super Falcons squad in camp:

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Comfort Erhabor, Christiana Uzoma.

Defenders: Farida Abdulwahab, Sandra John, Tumininu Adeshina, Valentina Uroko, Glory Edet, Shukurat Oladipo, Glory Ogbonna.

Midfielders: Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne, Favour Omenazu, Joy Igbokwe, Jennifer Echegini, Fatimoh Solaty, Suliat Abideen.

Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade, Shakirat Moshood, Blessing Nkor, Sandra John, Folashade Ijamilusi, Janet Akekoromowei, Uchenna Kanu, Gift Monday, Joy Omewa.

Expected: Blessing Okpe.

Eguavoen Banks on Falcons Squad Depth for Comoros Olympic Qualifier

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