LA 2028 Olympics: 14 Falcons Train in Ikenne Ahead of Comoros Clash
Nigeria’s Super Falcons began preparations for their 2028 Olympic Women’s Football Tournament qualifying campaign with 14 players training on Monday evening in Ikenne.
The Falcons are preparing for Friday’s first-leg qualifier against Comoros at the Remo Stars Stadium, with the return leg also scheduled to take place at the same venue next Tuesday.
Nigeria returned to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament at Paris 2024 after a 16-year absence and are now targeting another appearance at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Among those in Monday’s training were goal-happy forwards Blessing Nkor and Shakirat Moshood, as well as defender Shukurat Oladipo.
Also in camp are goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma; defenders Farida Abdulwahab, Tumininu Adeshina, Valentina Uroko, Glory Edet and Glory Ogbonna; midfielders Oluchi Omenazu, Joy Igbokwe, Fatimoh Solaty and Suliat Abideen; and forward Sandra John.
Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen has, however, released Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Favour Nkwocha to the Flamingos ahead of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Adegbuyi was named Most Valuable Player of the recently concluded WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Yamoussoukro, while Nkwocha featured for the Falconets at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
Defender Ashley Plumptre has been excused from the squad because of a sprain and ligament injury, while Benfica duo Oluwatosin Demehin and Flourish Sabastine will miss the qualifiers as they pursue residence permits.
Five-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala has also been excused, prompting Eguavoen to call up Belarus-based former U-20 forward Blessing Okpe.
Eleven more players are expected to join the squad, including goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Michelle Alozie, midfielders Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne and Jennifer Echegini, and forwards Rasheedat Ajibade, Gift Monday, Joy Omewa, Janet Akekoromowei and Uchenna Kanu.
Comfort Erhabor is the other goalkeeper expected to arrive.
The Falcons will be hoping to build sufficient momentum in Ikenne before Friday’s opening encounter with Comoros as they begin their quest for another Olympic appearance.
