Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen has retained the bulk of Nigeria’s established Super Falcons players for Friday’s 2028 Olympic Games qualifier against Comoros, while handing rising midfielder Joy Igbokwe her first senior international start.

Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie anchors the starting XI, with Christy Ucheibe, Shukurat Oladipo, Michelle Alozie and Glory Ogbonna completing the defensive line-up for the encounter at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo.

Igbokwe’s inclusion is the headline development in Eguavoen’s selection, with the Nasarawa Amazons midfielder earning a starting opportunity after making the step up from Nigeria’s youth ranks.

The young midfielder is joined in the middle of the park by Toni Payne and Jennifer Echegini, giving Nigeria a blend of youthful energy, technical quality and international experience as the Falcons begin their bid to reach the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

In attack, Eguavoen has selected Uchenna Kanu, Gift Monday and captain Rasheedat Ajibade, placing responsibility on the experienced forward trio to lead Nigeria’s offensive effort.

The line-up reflects the coach’s decision to maintain continuity by relying on several players who have featured regularly for the Super Falcons, especially at the Morocco 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, while also creating room for emerging talent to make an impact at senior level.

Nnadozie’s presence provides stability behind the defence, while Alozie and Ogbonna are expected to offer defensive assurance and support Nigeria’s movement from the back. Oladipo’s inclusion also gives the team another opportunity to assess the young defender in a high-pressure international fixture.

In midfield, Payne and Echegini bring experience from European football, while Igbokwe’s starting role represents a significant milestone in her international career.

The attacking trio of Kanu, Monday and Ajibade will be tasked with converting Nigeria’s possession and chances into goals against a Comoros side that reached the second round after defeating Sudan 30-0 on aggregate.

Nigeria received a bye into the second round of the African qualifying series and will be keen to make that advantage count as they pursue one of Africa’s two available places at the 2028 Olympic women’s football tournament.

Although Comoros are officially the home team for Friday’s first leg, the match is being played in Ikenne because the island nation does not have a Confederation of African Football-approved venue for the fixture.

The return leg is scheduled for October 13, also at the Remo Stars Stadium, meaning the two teams will contest both matches in Nigeria.

The immediate task for Eguavoen is to secure a positive result in the opening encounter before the second leg. 

With the WAFCON regulars providing the foundation and a new face in the starting midfield, the Falcons will look to begin their Olympic qualifying campaign with a performance that combines experience, discipline and attacking intent.

Nigeria XI vs Comoros 

Goalkeeper 

Chiamaka Nnadozie 

Defenders

Christy Uchiebe

Shukurat Oladipo

Michelle Alozie

Glory Ogbonna

Midfielders 

Joy Igbokwe (debut)

Toni Payne 

Jennifer Echigini

Attackers 

Uchenna Kanu

Gift Monday 

Rasheedat Ajibade