Nine players have reported to the Super Falcons' camp in Ikenne as Nigeria begins preparations for their 2028 Olympic qualifying showdown with Comoros. The early arrivals have given interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen his first group of players to work with. Eguavoen had invited 28 players for the crucial Olympic qualifying assignment. The Super Falcons are looking to put a disappointing 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations campaign behind them.
The latest arrivals include Farida AbdulWahab, Tumininu Adeshina, Joy Igbokwe, Fatimoh Solaty, Christiana Uzoma, Blessing Nkor, Valentina Uroko, Glory Edet, and Sandra John. Their arrival marks the beginning of an important period for Eguavoen and his players as Nigeria focuses on securing a place at the 2028 Olympic Games. The Super Falcons endured a hugely disappointing outing at the 2026 WAFCON, ending without the expected success.
Nigeria's struggles during the 2026 WAFCON contributed to the country missing out on qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup for the first time in history. This setback has increased the importance of the Olympic qualifying campaign. The team is now seeking a response on the international stage. The Super Falcons are one of Africa's most decorated women's national teams.
Several of the squad's established stars are expected to join the team during the week, including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, experienced forward Asisat Oshoala, defender Ashleigh Plumptre, and Monday Gift. Their arrival will provide Eguavoen with additional experience and quality. The presence of senior players will be important as Nigeria looks to establish cohesion within the squad.
The two legs against Comoros are scheduled for October, with the first leg on Friday, 9 October, and the return fixture four days later. The Super Falcons will be expected to make home advantage count in the opening leg and put themselves in a strong position before the decisive second encounter. Eguavoen will be conscious that the Olympic qualifiers represent an opportunity for the team to rebuild confidence.
Eguavoen's immediate challenge will be to blend the younger players already in camp with the established names expected to arrive. He must ensure the team is tactically prepared for the Comoros test. The objective is clear: start strongly against Comoros, take control of the tie, and keep Nigeria's hopes of returning to the Olympic stage alive.
For the players already in camp, preparations have begun. For those still expected to arrive, the countdown is on. The October double-header represents much more than another qualifying assignment for Eguavoen; it is the first major opportunity to steer the Super Falcons towards a positive response after one of the most disappointing chapters in Nigerian women's football.
Key points
- Nine players have reported to the Super Falcons' camp in Ikenne as Nigeria begins preparations for their 2028 Olympic qualifying showdown with Comoros.
- The Super Falcons are targeting a strong start against Comoros to put themselves in a strong position before the decisive second encounter.
- The Olympic qualifiers represent an opportunity for the team to rebuild confidence after a disappointing 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
