LA 2028 Olympics: Eguavoen Begins Falcons Rebuild Ahead of Comoros Clash

Posted : 07 October 2026

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have stepped up preparations for their 2028 Olympic Women’s Football Tournament qualifying campaign, with 14 players taking part in Monday evening’s training session in Ikenne.

The 10-time African champions are preparing to face Comoros in the first leg of their qualifying fixture at the Remo Stars Stadium on Friday, with the return leg scheduled for the same venue on Tuesday evening.

Interim Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen is working with a reduced squad as several key players are either unavailable or expected to join the team later.

Among those already in camp are goalkeepers Christiana Uzoma and defenders Farida Abdulwahab, Tumininu Adeshina, Valentina Uroko, Glory Edet, Shukurat Oladipo and Glory Ogbonna.

Midfield options currently available include Oluchi Omenazu, Joy Igbokwe, Fatimoh Solaty and Suliat Abideen, while Shakirat Moshood, Blessing Nkor and Sandra John provide the attacking options.

Eguavoen has also adjusted his squad by releasing Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Favour Nkwocha back to the Flamingos as the U17 women’s national team prepares to depart for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Adegbuyi was named Most Valuable Player of the recently concluded WAFU-B U17 Girls Cup in Yamoussoukro, while Nkwocha featured for the Falconets at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.

The Falcons have also been forced to cope with the absence of several established players.

Defender Ashley Plumptre has been excused because of a sprain and ligament injury, while Benfica defender Oluwatosin Demehin and forward Flourish Sabastine are unavailable as they pursue resident permits.

Five-time Africa Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala has also been excused, prompting Eguavoen to invite Belarus-based former U20 forward Blessing Okpe.

The technical crew is, however, expecting the arrival of 11 more players, including goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and defender Michelle Alozie.

Midfielders Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne and Jennifer Echegini are also expected, alongside captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Gift Monday.

Joy Omewa, Janet Akekoromowei and Uchenna Kanu are also expected to join the squad, with goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor completing the list of players anticipated in camp.

The Falcons will be looking to establish an early advantage against Comoros as they seek another appearance at the Olympic Games.

Nigeria returned to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament at Paris 2024 after a 16-year absence and will be determined to secure another place at the global event in Los Angeles.

With Friday’s encounter serving as the opening step in the qualification journey, Eguavoen will be hoping the returning players can quickly integrate with those already in camp and provide the quality required to overcome Comoros.

The Falcons will then have another opportunity to complete the assignment when both teams meet again at the Remo Stars Stadium on Tuesday evening.

LA 2028 Olympics: Eguavoen Begins Falcons Rebuild Ahead of Comoros Clash

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