Super Falcons assistant coach Ayisat Yusuf has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s chances of reaching the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games but warned that the team cannot afford to underestimate Comoros when their qualification campaign begins this week.
The former Nigeria international spoke as the Super Falcons opened camp ahead of their two-legged second-round qualifier, with the first encounter scheduled for October 9 and the return leg on October 13 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo. Comoros will use the Nigerian venue for their designated home leg because they do not have a CAF-approved stadium.
Yusuf believes Nigeria have the quality and resources required to secure an Olympic ticket but stressed that the rapid development of women’s football across Africa means reputation alone will not guarantee progression.
“We cannot underestimate any team,” Yusuf said, maintaining that the technical crew remains optimistic about Nigeria’s chances of completing the qualification journey successfully.
The warning carries additional significance after Comoros demolished Sudan 30-0 on aggregate in the opening round to book their meeting with the 10-time African champions.
Nigeria entered the competition in the second round after receiving a bye as one of the three highest-ranked teams in the qualifying tournament. The Super Falcons must negotiate four knockout rounds to claim one of Africa’s two available places at LA 2028.
Yusuf is part of the interim technical team headed by Augustine Eguavoen, alongside Christopher Danjuma and goalkeeper trainer Olatunji Baruwa. The former defender brings considerable international experience to the assignment, having earned 68 caps for Nigeria, featured at three FIFA Women’s World Cups and represented the country at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Eguavoen has invited 28 players for the tie, including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Asisat Oshoala, Michelle Alozie and Uchenna Kanu, with players already arriving in camp.
For Yusuf, who once experienced Olympic football as a player, the objective is now to help another generation reach that stage.
The confidence is there, but her message ahead of Comoros is equally firm: in modern African football, qualification must be earned on the pitch, not assumed from reputation.
