Interim Super Falcons head coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has invited 28 players for Nigeria’s second-round qualifying fixtures against Comoros in the race for a place at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The squad is led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade and first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, with several established stars also included for the two-legged encounter.
Nigeria received a bye into the second round as one of Africa’s three highest-ranked teams, while Comoros advanced after thrashing Sudan 30-0 on aggregate in the opening round.
Comoros recorded a 17-0 victory in the first leg before completing the rout with a 13-0 win in the return fixture.
The first leg is scheduled for October 9, with the return fixture billed for October 13. Both matches will be played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo because Comoros do not have a CAF-approved venue.
The Falcons are expected to begin preparations on October 3, when the invited players are due to report to the AM2PM Hotel in Ijebu-Ode.
Eguavoen has retained several key players, including Brighton goalkeeper Nnadozie, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Ajibade, Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin, Ashley Plumptre and Shukurat Oladipo.
Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne and Jennifer Echegini are also part of the midfield options, while the attack features experienced forwards such as Asisat Oshoala, Uchenna Kanu, Gift Monday, Flourish Sabastine and Joy Omewa.
The selection also provides opportunities for some younger players who have recently represented Nigeria at youth level.
Joy Igbokwe, Shakirat Moshood and Janet Akekoromowei are among those who have featured for the Falconets, with Igbokwe having captained Nigeria at the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
Akekoromowei, who plays for Benfica, was also on target against England at the tournament.
Goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma has earned a place in the senior squad after an impressive showing for the Falconets at the U20 World Cup, where she produced crucial saves during Nigeria’s campaign.
Oluwakemi Adegbuyi is another youngster included after playing a key role in the Flamingos’ success at the WAFU B Girls Cup in Cote d’Ivoire, where she was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
Nigeria must overcome Comoros to progress to the third round, where the winner will meet either DR Congo or Morocco in a tie scheduled between February 23 and March 6, 2027.
The Olympic qualification campaign will continue through 2027, with Africa allocated two places at the women’s football tournament of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Super Falcons squad
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Comfort Erhabor, Christiana Uzoma.
Defenders: Michelle
Alozie, Shukurat Oladipo, Farida Abdulwahab, Glory Ogbonna, Oluwatosin Demehin, Glory Edet, Ashley Plumptre, Tumininu Adeshina.
Midfielders: Christy Ucheibe, Joy Igbokwe, Favour Nkwocha, Fatimoh Solaty, Suliat Abideen, Toni Payne, Jennifer Echegini.
Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Flourish Sabastine, Shakirat Moshood, Gift Monday, Joy Omewa, Blessing Nkor, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Janet Akekoromowei, Uchenna Kanu.
