Alozie, Kanu Fire Super Falcons To Olympic Qualifying Win

Michelle Alozie and Uchenna Kanu scored as Nigeria’s Super Falcons defeated Comoros 2-0 in the first leg of their second-round tie in the African qualifiers for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games in Ikenne-Remo on Friday.

The 10-time African champions dominated the encounter despite struggling to convert their early chances, with interim coach Augustine Eguavoen handing former U-20 captain Joy Igbokwe her senior international debut in midfield.

Nigeria threatened in the 11th minute when Toni Payne’s curling effort drifted wide after some neat attacking combinations. Payne was again involved in the 26th minute, setting up Rasheedat Ajibade, whose effort struck the crossbar before Glory Ogbona failed to convert the rebound.

The Super Falcons eventually broke the deadlock three minutes into the second half. Gift Monday nodded a cross into the danger area in the 48th minute, allowing Alozie to finish from close range with her right foot.

Nigeria doubled their lead on the hour mark when Jennifer Echegini delivered a corner and Kanu reacted quickest to head home from close range.

Eguavoen’s technical crew subsequently introduced fresh legs, with Janet Akekoromowei replacing Payne in the 61st minute to make her senior international debut. Suliat Abideen also earned her first cap after coming on for Monday in the 69th minute, while Folashade Ijamilusi replaced Kanu in stoppage time.

Comoros, who reached the second round after recording a remarkable 30-0 aggregate victory over Sudan in the opening round, struggled to match Nigeria’s attacking pressure.

The Super Falcons will face Comoros again in the return fixture in Ikenne on Tuesday, with the aggregate winner advancing to the third round to face Morocco in the five-round African qualifying series.

Nigeria are seeking to secure a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics after missing the women’s football tournament at recent editions.