Alozie and Kanu give Super Falcons 2-0 first-leg win over Comoros in Ikenne

Second-half goals from Michelle Alozie and Uchenna Kanu gave the Super Falcons a 2-0 win over Comoros at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Friday, 9 October 2026, in the first leg of their second-round qualifier for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

The result puts Nigeria firmly in control of the tie before the return leg at the same ground on Tuesday, 13 October. It was also a winning start for interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen in his first competitive match in charge of the team, Premium Times reported.

How the goals came

The first half ended goalless despite long spells of Nigerian pressure. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade hit the woodwork before the break, The Guardian and Pulse Sports reported, and Premium Times counted three efforts that struck the frame in the first 30 minutes.

The breakthrough came soon after the restart. Alozie scored in the 48th minute from close range after Gift Monday headed a corner into her path, according to Premium Times and Pulse Sports.

Kanu doubled the lead on the hour, turning in a quickly taken corner from Jennifer Echegini, The Guardian and The Sun reported. Premium Times timed the goal at the 60th minute.

What did Eguavoen change?

Eguavoen set his side up in a 4-4-2 and handed a senior debut to Joy Igbokwe of Nasarawa Amazons, who played as the midfield pivot, Premium Times reported. Channels Television also confirmed Igbokwe’s debut in its live coverage, which named Ajibade as captain and Gift Monday as the lead striker.

Eguavoen was appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation on an interim basis while it searches for a permanent coach, and his support staff include Nasarawa Amazons coach Christopher Danjuma, former defender Ayisat Yusuf and goalkeeper trainer Olatunji Baruwa, according to Premium Times.

Nigeria were without several senior players, including Asisat Oshoala, Ashleigh Plumptre and Oluwatosin Demehin, The Guardian reported.

The margin could have been wider. In its analysis of the match, Premium Times said Nigeria created enough chances to win more comfortably and singled out finishing as the main concern, with tougher opponents waiting in later rounds.

Why were both legs in Ikenne?

Comoros were the designated home side on Friday, but they do not have a stadium approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), so both legs are being played at Remo Stars Stadium, The Guardian and Pulse Sports reported.

Comoros reached this round by beating Sudan 30-0 on aggregate in June. Nigeria went straight into the second round as one of the three highest-ranked teams in the African qualifying series, Premium Times reported.

Who would Nigeria face next?

If the Falcons finish the job on Tuesday, they will meet Morocco in the third round, The Guardian and Premium Times reported. Morocco advanced to that stage without playing after their second-round opponents withdrew, Morocco World News reported.

The third round is scheduled for 23 February to 6 March 2027. The African series has five two-legged knockout rounds, and only two teams will qualify for the women’s football tournament at Los Angeles 2028, according to CAF.

What happens next

The second leg is at Remo Stars Stadium on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. With a two-goal lead, a draw or even a one-goal defeat would be enough to take Nigeria through on aggregate.

Watch for whether Eguavoen keeps faith with Igbokwe in midfield, and whether the Falcons convert more of their chances before the step up to Morocco in the new year.