Nigeria’s Super Falcons will begin their quest for a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games on Friday when they face Comoros in the first leg of their second-round African qualifying tie at Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, Ogun State.

Kick-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Nigerian time, with interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen leading the 10-time African champions into a campaign they hope will secure a second consecutive appearance at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament.

Although Comoros are the designated home team for the opening encounter, the match will be played in Nigeria because the island nation does not have a Confederation of African Football-approved venue for the fixture. Both legs will therefore take place at Remo Stars Stadium, with the return match scheduled for Tuesday, October 13. 

Falcons Target Strong Start

Nigeria received a bye into the second round as one of the higher-ranked teams in the qualifying competition and will be eager to make their experience count against an opponent that has already demonstrated considerable attacking potential.

The Super Falcons returned to the Olympics at Paris 2024 after a 16-year absence. They will now seek to build on that achievement by navigating a qualifying campaign that offers Africa two places at the Los Angeles 2028 tournament. 

Comoros, meanwhile, arrive with an impressive scoring record after dismantling Sudan 30-0 on aggregate in the first round. They won the first leg 17-0 before completing the rout with a 13-0 victory in the return fixture. 

That record will give the Comorans confidence, but Friday’s meeting presents a significantly tougher challenge against one of Africa’s most experienced women’s national teams.

Nigeria will be expected to combine their technical quality with defensive discipline, while avoiding complacency against opponents who have demonstrated their ability to punish weaker sides.

Eguavoen Confident Despite Squad Changes

Eguavoen has expressed confidence in the players available to him despite withdrawals and adjustments to his original selection.

The coach has had to make changes ahead of the tie, including the release of young forwards Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Favour Nkwocha to rejoin the Flamingos in preparation for their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign.

However, the return of several established internationals has strengthened the squad in the build-up to the opening match. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Michelle Alozie and midfielders Toni Payne, Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini are among the experienced players named for the assignment. 

Eguavoen has emphasised the need for his players to respect Comoros while remaining committed to Nigeria’s tactical approach.

The Super Falcons will be looking to establish control early and create a healthy advantage before the return leg, which will also be played in Ikenne.

Ajibade, Nnadozie Key to Nigeria’s Hopes

Ajibade is expected to provide leadership as Nigeria begin their Olympic qualifying campaign, with the captain’s experience likely to be important in a tie that requires focus across both legs.

Nnadozie’s presence in goal should also offer reassurance, while the likes of Alozie, Valentina Iroko, Christy Ucheibe and Shukurat Oladipo provide options in defence.

In midfield, Payne, Echegini and Igbokwe offer different qualities in possession and in the defensive transition, while Nigeria have several attacking options capable of troubling the Comoros backline.

The coaching staff’s immediate task will be to find the right balance between established internationals and emerging players, particularly with the two matches scheduled just four days apart.

Comoros vs Nigeria: Match Details

• Match: Comoros vs Nigeria
• Competition: CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament — Los Angeles 2028
• Round: Second round, first leg
• Date: Friday, October 9, 2026
• Venue: Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, Ogun State, Nigeria
• Kick-off: 6:00 p.m. Nigerian time
• Return leg: Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne

The Nigerian Football Federation confirmed the venue and kick-off time in its official notice for the fixture. 

How to Watch Comoros vs Nigeria Live

The match is scheduled to kick off at 6:00 p.m. Nigerian time. However, a confirmed television or streaming broadcaster is Trybal Football via YouTube identified in the available official announcements at the time of writing. https://www.youtube.com/live/1r1-aRY2hec?si=H5JGWS-polXi1ynD

Probable Super Falcons Line-up

Formation: 4-3-3

• Goalkeeper: Chiamaka Nnadozie
• Defenders: Michelle Alozie, Christy Ucheibe,Valentina Iroko, Shukurat Oladipo
• Midfielders: Joy Igbokwe, Jennifer Echegini, Toni Payne
• Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade, Uchenna Kanu, Gift Monday

This is a projected line-up based on the squad’s available experience and positional options, not an officially confirmed starting XI. The final selection may differ.

A Crucial First Step Towards Los Angeles

The immediate objective for Nigeria is to secure a strong result in the opening leg and avoid leaving the tie delicately balanced ahead of Tuesday’s return match.

The winner on aggregate will progress to the third round of the African qualifying competition, moving one step closer to a place at the 2028 Olympic Games. 

With both fixtures taking place in Ikenne, the Super Falcons will have the advantage of familiar surroundings throughout the tie. They must now translate that familiarity and their greater international experience into a convincing performance on the pitch.

The journey to Los Angeles begins for the Super Falcons and Eguavoen on Friday. A disciplined display and a positive first-leg result would provide an important foundation for Nigeria’s Olympic qualification ambitions.