‘No Team Should Survive’ - Eguavoen Fires as Super Falcons Begin Olympic Qualifiers

Super Falcons interim head coach, Austin Eguavoen has sent a strong warning to Comoros ahead of Nigeria’s opening fixture in the race for a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

The temporary manager declared that visiting teams should find it difficult to leave Nigeria with a positive result.

Eguavoen, who will lead the 10-time African champions in their two-legged second-round qualifying tie against Comoros, insists that Nigeria will approach the encounter with confidence while maintaining respect for their opponents.

The Super Falcons will face Comoros on October 9 (Today) and October 13.

Both matches scheduled to take place at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo because Comoros do not have a standard football pitch capable of hosting the fixtures in their country.

With Nigeria targeting a second consecutive appearance at the Olympic women's football tournament after competing at Paris 2024, Eguavoen has made it clear that his side intends to establish its authority from the opening match.

"No team should come here and survive, but that's not to say we're going to look down on people."

The interim coach added:

"We're not looking down on other operators, living with utmost respect. We'll stick to our game plan and just make sure we deliver."

Nigeria is determined to make home advantage count while avoiding complacency against a Comoros side seeking to upset the favourites.

Eguavoen Unfazed by Super Falcons Withdrawals

There have been confidence surrounding the team, however, Nigeria's preparations have been affected by several withdrawals from the original squad invited for the Olympic qualifiers.

Among the notable absentees are

1. forward Asisat Oshoala,
2. defender Ashley Plumptre and
3. defender Oluwatosin Demehin.

However, Eguavoen has dismissed concerns that their absence could derail Nigeria's campaign, expressing confidence in the players brought in to replace them.

"It is true that we have a number of withdrawals, notably Asisat Oshoala, Ashley Plumptre and Oluwatosin Demehin."

"However, I have confidence in their replacements as these ones also have the quality and experience to contribute meaningfully to the team's success against Comoros."

"Everyone has settled in well in camp as we have a full house now, and our focus is to present a strong and competitive squad for the two matches."

The coach clarifies that the focus within the camp remains on the players available rather than those missing, as Nigeria look to secure a comfortable aggregate victory and advance to the next stage.

Only Belarus-based forward Blessing Okpe, who received a late invitation, is still expected to arrive at the team's camp in Ijebu-Ode.

Ajibade Leads Nigeria's Olympic Mission

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade will lead the Super Falcons as they begin their bid to qualify for a second consecutive Olympic women's football tournament.

Nigeria featured at the Paris 2024 Olympics and will be hoping to return to the global stage in Los Angeles in 2028.

The qualifying campaign presents another opportunity for the African giants to demonstrate their strength and maintain their place among the continent's leading women's football nations.

With the first two matches against Comoros taking place in Ikenne-Remo, Nigeria will have the advantage of playing both legs on familiar ground.

The team must still deliver on the pitch, however, with progression determined by the aggregate score across the two encounters.

Victory over Comoros on aggregate will send the Super Falcons into the third round, which is scheduled to be decided in March 2027.

The African qualifying competition consists of five rounds, with Nigeria needing to navigate the remaining stages to secure an Olympic place.

Super Falcons' Squad in Camp

The following players are in camp ahead of the qualifying fixtures.

Goalkeepers:

Chiamaka Nnadozie,

Comfort Erhabor,

Christiana Uzoma.

Defenders:

Farida Abdulwahab,

Sandra John,

Tumininu Adeshina,

Valentina Uroko,

Glory Edet,

Shukurat Oladipo,

Glory Ogbonna.

Midfielders:

Christy Ucheibe,

Toni Payne,

Favour Omenazu,

Joy Igbokwe,

Jennifer Echegini,

Fatimoh Solaty,

Suliat Abideen.

Forwards:

Rasheedat Ajibade,

Shakirat Moshood,

Blessing Nkor,

Sandra John,

Folashade Ijamilusi,

Janet Akekoromowei,

Uchenna Kanu,

Gift Monday,

Joy Omewa.

Nigeria Must Turn Confidence Into Results

For Eguavoen and the Super Falcons, the immediate objective is tostraightforward: overcome Comoros and move closer to securing another Olympic appearance.

Nigeria will respect Comoros, but the Super Falcons intend to dictate the contest and take a decisive step towards the 2028 Olympics.

The coach have revealed the team's ambition, but Nigeria will need to back up those words with disciplined performances across both matches.

With Ajibade leading the side and Eguavoen expressing confidence in the available replacements, the Super Falcons will look to begin their qualifying campaign positively and avoid an early setback in the journey to Los Angeles.