Super Falcons interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to overcome Comoros despite the absence of several key players ahead of their 2028 Olympic qualifying tie.
Nigeria will face Comoros in a two-leg second-round encounter, with both matches scheduled for the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on October 9 and 13.
The Falcons have been hit by a number of withdrawals, including experienced forward Asisat Oshoala, defender Ashleigh Plumptre and defender Oluwatosin Demehin.
Demehin and fellow Benfica player Flourish Sebastine are unavailable as they continue to sort out their residence permits, while Plumptre was excused from the squad due to injury. Oshoala also requested to be excused from the qualifiers.
Despite the changes to his original squad, Eguavoen believes the players brought in can fill the gaps and help Nigeria make a strong start to their Olympic qualification campaign.
“It is true that we have a number of withdrawals, notably Asisat Oshoala, Ashleigh 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, according to the Nigeria Football Federation.
The former Super Eagles coach also said preparations in camp have progressed well, with most of the invited players now available.
“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 following the withdrawals, is the only player still expected to join the camp in Ijebu-Ode.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade will lead the Falcons as they begin their push for a second successive appearance at the Olympic Games, having returned to the competition at Paris 2024 after a 16-year absence.
Nigeria must defeat Comoros over the two legs to progress to the third round of the African qualifying series. The third-round fixtures are scheduled for March 2027.
