Super Falcons Interim Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen has praised his players following Nigeria’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Comoros in the second leg of the second round of the African qualifiers for the 2028 Olympic Games, while expressing confidence in the team’s ability to maintain its position at the top of African women’s football.

Nigeria completed a 7-0 aggregate victory over Comoros after winning the first leg 2-0, securing progression to the next round, where they will face Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses.

Speaking after the match, Eguavoen congratulated the players for their performance, revealing that he had emphasised the importance of working together to achieve the team’s objective.

“For the game, I am very impressed. Congratulations to the girls; they made my day,” Eguavoen said.

He explained that his conversations with the players before the encounter focused on the need to secure victory, adding that their response on the pitch reflected their determination and collective commitment.

The Coach also acknowledged the improvement shown by Comoros, noting that their opponents approached the fixture with the freedom to express themselves despite the first-leg deficit. However, Nigeria’s quality and attacking efficiency proved decisive over the two legs.

Eguavoen reserved particular praise for Blessing Okpe, who received a late invitation to the squad after another player withdrew. The forward made the most of her opportunity, contributing to Nigeria’s attacking display and earning recognition from the coaching staff.

According to Eguavoen, Okpe’s performances for her club had attracted his attention before her invitation, and her display against Comoros further justified the decision to bring her into the squad.

The Coach added that, regardless of whether he remains in charge or another coach takes over, he would recommend Okpe for future opportunities with the national team.

Eguavoen also addressed the condition of captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who was forced off during the match following a collision. He confirmed that he had not yet received an update on the captain’s condition, adding that the medical team was attending to her in hospital.

Looking ahead, the Super Falcons Coach acknowledged that Nigeria would face tougher challenges as the Olympic qualifying campaign progresses. He pointed to the country’s status as a 10-time African champion, explaining that opponents often raise their level of performance when facing Nigeria.

He stressed that the team had agreed to put the disappointment of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations behind them and focus on winning the gold medal at the 2028 Olympic Games.

Eguavoen emphasised that rebuilding the team’s structure and maintaining a gradual development process would be essential to achieving that ambition.

“It has to be a gradual process for us, both as the coach and the players,” he explained, adding that the Super Falcons possessed the quality and character needed to remain a leading force in African women’s football.

The Interim Coach further highlighted the importance of tactical flexibility, insisting that players capable of performing in multiple positions would give the team greater options. He specifically praised Shukurat Oladipo and Christy Ucheibe for their performances and consistency.

Eguavoen also clarified why some players, including Joy Omewa and Blessing Nkor, did not feature in the two matches against Comoros, stressing that their absence from the pitch did not reflect a lack of ability.

He explained that the technical crew was working towards building a wider pool of reliable players and intended to use future international windows to assess more squad members while maintaining a competitive team.

According to the coach, the message had been communicated to the entire squad before the qualifiers and reiterated after the matches: every player would have to contribute to the collective objective, while opportunities would be provided as the team continued to develop.

Eguavoen also appealed to members of the media to offer the team greater support, expressing confidence that the players would respond positively as preparations continue for the next stage of the Olympic qualifying campaign.