Nigeria’s Super Falcons kicked off their quest to qualify for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles with a 2-0 win against Comoros in the first leg of their second-round CAF qualifying tie on Friday.
Michelle Alozie and Uchenna Kanu scored in the second half to hand the 10-time African champions a victory at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo.
Despite being the designated home team, the game was played in Nigeria as Comoros did not have a stadium that met the Confederation of African Football guidelines.
Though the Super Falcons controlled play in the first half, they failed to make it count. Toni Payne missed the target in the 11th minute while team captain Rasheedat Ajibade hit the woodwork in the 26th minute, from a pass from Payne, with the rebound also finding the post.
The breakthrough finally came for Nigeria three minutes into the second half when Gift Monday’s header came off Alozie, who was in the right place at the right time to score from close range.
A mere few minutes after the hour mark, the visitors doubled their advantage through Kanu’s header from Jennifer Echegini’s corner.
Comoros could not press Nigeria’s defence as the Super Falcons held onto their two-goal advantage until the final whistle.
The win puts Nigeria in pole position ahead of Tuesday’s second leg also in Ikenne.
The aggregate winners will progress to the third round, where they will face Morocco following the withdrawal of the Republic of Congo.
