Nigeria’s Super Falcons have advanced to the next round of the 2028 Olympic women’s football qualifiers after defeating Comoros 5-0 in the second leg of their second-round tie at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Tuesday.
Gatekeepers News reports that the victory gave Nigeria a 7-0 aggregate win following their 2-0 triumph in the first leg, strengthening their bid to secure a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Toni Payne and Uchenna Kanu scored twice each, while Christy Ucheibe converted a penalty to complete the emphatic victory.
The Super Falcons dominated much of the encounter but suffered an early setback when captain Rasheedat Ajibade was forced off with an injury following a collision in the first half. Folashade Ijamilusi came on as her replacement.
Nigeria eventually broke the deadlock in the 41st minute after Kanu capitalised on a mistake by the Comoros goalkeeper before squaring the ball to Payne, who finished from close range.
The hosts maintained their advantage at half-time before increasing the pressure after the restart.
Kanu doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 58th minute, heading home a cross from Ijamilusi. Payne then scored her second goal of the match in the 63rd minute after substitute Blessing Okpe beat two Comoros defenders and supplied the assist.
Three minutes later, Kanu completed her brace with another header from an Ijamilusi delivery to make it 4-0.
Ucheibe rounded off the scoring in the 71st minute, converting from the penalty spot after Okpe was fouled inside the box.
The result sends Nigeria into the next round, where they will face Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses as the race for Africa’s two qualifying places at the 2028 Olympic Games continues.
The Super Falcons returned to the Olympics at Paris 2024 after a 16-year absence and are seeking consecutive appearances at the tournament.
The African qualifying competition consists of five rounds, with only two teams earning places in the women’s football event at Los Angeles 2028.
