Nigeria’s Super Falcons will resume preparations for their 2028 Olympic Games qualifying campaign on Sunday, October 4, as interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen leads a 14-man technical and support team for the two-legged showdown against Comoros.

The Falcons will hold their training camp in Ikenne-Remo ahead of the crucial second-round qualifying fixtures, with both legs scheduled to take place at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne. The first leg is billed for October 9, while the return fixture comes up on October 13.  

Eguavoen, who was appointed on an interim basis by the Nigeria Football Federation, will be assisted by Christopher Danjuma and former Super Falcons defender Ayisat Yusuf.

Former Nigeria goalkeeper trainer Olatunji Baruwa completes the core technical unit as goalkeepers’ coach, bringing experience from his previous work with several of the country’s national teams.  

The wider team includes Oboduku Mary Bose as Team Administrator, while Garba Larai Hyedima has been appointed Team Doctor.

Nwachukwu Adaku and Onah Melody Chimkwesiri will serve as the two physiotherapists, providing medical, rehabilitation and fitness support throughout the camp and the two-match assignment.

Dr Terry Eguaoje has been named Team Analyst and will work with the coaching crew on technical and performance analysis as the Falcons prepare for the Comoros challenge.

The support structure also includes Ann Okoro as Safeguarding Officer, Falokun Folashade Elizabeth as Coordinator and Ulam Juliana Akaso as Team Security Officer.

Shima Seember Brenda will handle media responsibilities, while Lovina Emmanuel has been appointed Equipment Manager.

All technical officials and home-based players are expected to report to camp on Sunday, October 4, when preparations are scheduled to begin in earnest.

The foreign-based players are expected to arrive from Monday, October 5, allowing the coaching crew to begin work with the available players before the full squad is assembled.

Eguavoen has already invited 28 players for the Olympic qualifying assignment, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Asisat Oshoala, Michelle Alozie, Jennifer Echegini and Ashleigh Plumptre among the headline names.  

The squad also includes a number of younger players, including Christiana Uzoma, Farida Abdulwahab, Favour Nkwocha, Shakirat Moshood, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Janet Akekoromowei, as Eguavoen looks to combine experience with emerging talent.  

Nigeria received a bye into the second round of the African Olympic qualifying series as one of the continent’s three highest-ranked teams. Comoros reached this stage after defeating Sudan 30-0 on aggregate in the opening round.  

The winner over the two legs will advance to the third round of the qualification series, where either the Democratic Republic of Congo or Morocco awaits.

Nigeria must negotiate four rounds of two-legged ties to secure one of Africa’s two available places at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The Comoros assignment therefore represents the Falcons’ first hurdle on the road to Los Angeles, with Eguavoen and his technical crew expected to use the Ikenne camp to fine-tune the team before the opening encounter.

With the coaching, medical, administrative and support structures now confirmed, attention will shift to player arrivals and preparations as the Falcons begin their latest bid to return to the Olympic Games.