The Super Falcons of Nigeria began life under interim coach Austine Eguavoen on a winning note after seeing off Comoros in the first leg of their third-round 2028 Olympic qualification match.
Second-half goals from defender Michelle Alozie and Uchenna Kanu ensured Nigeria defeated their opponents 0-2 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Friday night.
Nigeria, as expected, began well against the Comoros. They dominated the early exchanges but struggled through a combination of wasteful finishing and ill luck.
One of the early chances fell to Kanu of Cruz Azul Femenil, but her shot rifled through the roof of the net just 18 minutes into the clash. About four minutes later, Chicago Stars FC’s Alozie drilled a low shot at goal, but the Comoros goalkeeper parried it away for a corner kick.
In the 26th minute, Rasheedat Ajibade hit the woodwork in what could have been the first goal of the day, while Gloria Ogbonna’s effort from the rebound went wide.
The 10-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) winners continued to press for an opener, but Comoros held on as the game ended goalless after the first half.
As the referee blew the whistle for the second half, Nigeria intensified efforts to score, and that paid off just three minutes later.
This time, Boston Legacy FC forward Gift Monday was instrumental as she headed goalward for Alozie to bounce home from close range! Game on!
The Super Falcons then doubled the lead at the hour mark when Kanu headed in Jennifer Echegini’s corner kick. Despite enjoying good spells in the remainder of the match, Nigeria appeared content with the scoreline as the game ended 0-2 in the West Africans’ favour.
On Tuesday, both sides will battle again in the same venue for the reverse fixture. Friday’s game was considered a home tie for the Les Coelacanths of Comoros, as the island country lacks a stadium approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host international games.
The winner of the two-legged encounter will play Morocco in the next round of qualifiers for the women’s football event of the 2028 Olympic Games.
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