Nigeria’s Super Falcons have welcomed late call-up Blessing Okpe to camp in Ijebu-Ode, completing the team’s assembly of 27 players ahead of their Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games qualifying double-header against Comoros.

The Belarus-based forward arrived Lagos on Thursday night before connecting on Friday morning to Ijebu Ode after travelling from her European base, joining the rest of the squad as preparations intensify for the two-legged second-round qualifying tie.

Okpe’s arrival brings the Super Falcons’ camp to full strength, with interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen now able to work with his available players ahead of Friday’s opening encounter.

The forward received her maiden senior invitation following the withdrawal of several players from the original squad, including Ashleigh Plumptre and six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala.

The late call-up offers Okpe an opportunity to make an impression at senior international level after previously representing Nigeria with the Falconets at under-20 level.

The forward rose to prominence during her time with Rivers Angels, scoring the decisive penalty in the club’s 1-0 victory over Naija Ratels in the 2024 President Federation Cup final. Her performances during the competition earned her the Most Valuable Player award.

Okpe has also featured for Amed SK in Turkey and Dinamo Minsk in Belarus before joining Dnepr Mogilev, where she currently plays.

Her arrival comes as the Super Falcons prepare for a crucial assignment in their quest to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Nigeria will face Comoros in the first leg on Friday, October 9, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo. The return fixture is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, at the same venue, with Comoros playing both matches in Nigeria because of the unavailability of a suitable home venue.

Eguavoen has expressed confidence in the squad despite the absence of several established players, insisting that their replacements have the quality and experience to deliver positive results.

The Super Falcons are seeking a second consecutive appearance at the Olympic Games after returning to the women’s football tournament at Paris 2024 following a 16-year absence.

Victory over Comoros on aggregate will take the 10-time African champions into the third round of the African qualifying series, scheduled for January 2027 against Morocco.

With the full squad now assembled, the technical crew will focus on final preparations, tactical organisation and ensuring the players are ready for the opening leg.

The two matches represent the first competitive test for Eguavoen’s interim technical team as Nigeria begins its campaign to secure a place at Los Angeles 2028.