LA 2028: Eguavoen Shrugs Off Oshoala’s Absence, Backs Falcons To Crush Comoros

Interim Super Falcons head coach Augustine Eguavoen has played down concerns over a number of withdrawals from his original squad, insisting Nigeria have enough quality to overcome Comoros in the 2028 Olympic women’s football qualifying series.

The 10-time African champions will face Comoros in a two-leg second-round tie, with both matches scheduled to take place at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on October 9 and 13 respectively.

Comoros will play both legs in Nigeria after failing to secure a standard football stadium in the island nation suitable for the fixtures.

Eguavoen acknowledged the absence of several key players, including Asisat Oshoala, Ashley Plumptre and Oluwatosin Demehin, but expressed confidence in those drafted in to replace them.

“It is true that we have a number of withdrawals, notably Asisat Oshoala, Ashley Plumptre and Oluwatosin Demehin. However, I have confidence in their replacements as these ones also have the quality and experience to contribute meaningfully to the team’s success against Comoros,” Eguavoen said.

The coach said the squad had settled well in camp and was now focused on securing a positive result across the two matches.

“Everyone has settled in well in camp as we have a full house now, and our focus is to present a strong and competitive squad for the two matches,” he added.

Belarus-based forward Blessing Okpe, who received a late invitation, is the only player still expected to join the squad in camp in Ijebu-Ode.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade is expected to lead the Falcons as they begin their quest for a second successive appearance at the Olympic women’s football tournament.

Nigeria featured at the Paris 2024 Olympics and will be looking to secure another place at the global showpiece in Los Angeles in 2028.

The Falcons enter the Comoros tie with the experience of having dominated African women’s football for decades, but Eguavoen has urged his players to remain focused and deliver across both legs.

The winner on aggregate will advance to the third round of the five-round African qualifying series, which is scheduled to be decided in March 2027.

With both matches taking place in Ikenne-Remo, the Falcons will have home advantage throughout the tie and will be expected to use that advantage to put themselves in a strong position before the second encounter.

Nigeria’s objective is to negotiate the Comoros hurdle and remain on course for another Olympic appearance, with the third-round tie representing the next major step in their bid to reach Los Angeles 2028.