The Super Falcons of Nigeria secured a 2-0 victory over Comoros in the first leg of the second round of the African qualifiers for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, with Michelle Alozie and Uchenna Kanu scoring in the second half.
The Super Falcons started brightly, creating several goalscoring opportunities in the opening minutes but struggled to convert their chances. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade threatened early, getting close to goal in the second minute before creating another opportunity four minutes later.
Nigeria continued to apply pressure, with Toni Payne firing wide after a passing combination involving Gift Monday and Jennifer Echegini. Another promising move saw Uchenna Kanu deliver a cross that was intercepted by a Comoros defender, before the Super Falcons recovered possession and created further danger.
Glory Ogbonna also came close to opening the scoring in the 11th minute, but her effort went off target. Kanu had another opportunity in the 18th minute, only for her attempt to sail over the crossbar.
Ajibade remained a constant threat in attack and came close to breaking the deadlock in the 28th minute after getting past the Comoros goalkeeper, but her effort struck the crossbar. Toni Payne later delivered a cross that was saved by the goalkeeper as Nigeria continued searching for the opening goal.
Comoros defended resolutely and also earned several free kicks in the first half. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was called into action to make a save, while Jennifer Echegini’s free kick was also stopped by the opposing goalkeeper.
Despite Nigeria’s dominance and numerous chances, neither side found the net before the break, with the first half ending goalless.
The Super Falcons eventually broke the deadlock three minutes after the restart. In the 48th minute, Gift Monday headed the ball into the box to set up Michelle Alozie, who finished with a right-footed tap-in to give Nigeria the lead.
Nigeria doubled their advantage in the 60th minute through Uchenna Kanu. Jennifer Echegini delivered a well-placed corner kick, and Kanu reacted quickest to head the ball past the Comoros goalkeeper from close range.
The technical crew subsequently introduced fresh legs, with Janet Akekoromowei replacing Toni Payne in the 61st minute to make her senior international debut. Suliat Abideen came on for Gift Monday in the 69th minute, also earning her first cap for the Super Falcons.
Folashade Ijamilusi was later introduced for goalscorer Kanu in stoppage time as Nigeria managed the closing stages of the encounter.
Comoros, who advanced to this round after recording a 30-0 aggregate victory over Sudan in the previous round, struggled to contain Nigeria’s attacking pressure as the Super Falcons secured a two-goal advantage ahead of the return fixture.
The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday in Ikenne, Ogun State, where Nigeria will look to complete the tie and advance to the third round of the African qualifying series. The winner on aggregate will face Morocco in the next stage of the race for a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
