The Super Falcons have taken a first major step towards qualifying for the 2028 Olympics to be hosted in Los Angeles, United States of America, Soccernet.ng reports.
Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen has summoned 28 Super Falcons players for Nigeria's second-round Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifying battle with Comoros, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie leading the charge.
Nigeria's Super Falcons enter the campaign at the second round after receiving a bye as one of Africa's three highest-ranked teams. Comoros, meanwhile, stormed through the opening round by beating Sudan 30-0 on aggregate, including a remarkable 17-0 first-leg victory and a 13-0 return-leg triumph.
The first meeting is scheduled for October 9, with the return four days later on October 13, both at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo. Comoros do not have a CAF-approved venue, hence the unusual arrangement of both fixtures in Nigeria.
The players are due to report to the AM2PM Hotel in Ijebu-Ode on Saturday, October 3, giving Eguavoen less than a week to shape his team before the opening leg.
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Super Falcons: The established stars
Nnadozie arrives as one of the pillars of the squad. The Brighton goalkeeper remains Nigeria's first-choice and she is joined by PSG midfielder Ajibade, who brings leadership and attacking quality as captain.
The experienced core extends across every line. Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin, Ashley Plumptre and Shukurat Oladipo give Eguavoen a defensive group with experience of international football and European competition.
In midfield, Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne and Jennifer Echegini offer three different dimensions behind a forward line packed with proven names. Eguavoen has placed his trust in Asisat Oshoala, Uchenna Kanu, Gift Monday, Flourish Sabastine and Joy Omewa.
Super Falcons' returning stars and potential newcomers
Eguavoen's selection also creates room for players whose recent national-team involvement has not always been as prominent as their ability suggests.
Comfort Erhabor provides additional goalkeeping depth behind Nnadozie, while Glory Ogbonna, Glory Edet and Joy Igbokwe strengthen the defensive and midfield options.
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Igbokwe's inclusion is particularly intriguing after her recent international experience with the Falconets. She captained Nigeria's U20 side at the 2026 FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in Poland, where the team reached the quarter-finals before losing narrowly to Colombia.
Shakirat Moshood is another player whose pathway has been built through the youth national teams. The forward was involved in Nigeria's U20 World Cup qualifying campaign and has subsequently featured at the global tournament level.
Janet Akekoromowei also arrives with fresh momentum from the Falconets. The Benfica forward scored against England at the U20 World Cup in Poland.
The most intriguing part of the 28-player list is the cluster of younger players who could use the Comoros tie as a launchpad.
Christiana Uzoma is among them. The Edo Queens goalkeeper was Nigeria's standout performer during the Falconets' U20 World Cup campaign, producing crucial saves against England before making the senior squad.
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Farida Abdulwahab, Tumininu Adeshina, Favour Nkwocha, and Flamingos' teen wonder Oluwakemi Adegbuyi represent another strand of the youthful contingent. Adegbuyi was the outstanding player as Nigeria's U17 team won the WAFU B Girls Cup in Cote d'Ivoire at the weekend.
The squad also includes Fatimoh Solaty, Suliat Abideen, and Blessing Nkor, giving Eguavoen several less-established options across midfield and attack.
Nigeria's immediate objective is simple: survive Comoros and advance to the third round. The winner will face either DR Congo or Morocco in a tie scheduled for February 23 to March 6, 2027.
Beyond that lies a qualifying marathon stretching into December 2027, with Africa ultimately sending only two teams to the Olympic tournament in Los Angeles in July 2028.
The 28-player 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.
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