Nigeria’s Super Falcons will begin their quest for a place at the 2028 Olympic Games today as they face Comoros in the first leg of their second-round African qualifying tie at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.

The encounter marks the beginning of another Olympic qualification journey for Nigeria, with the team seeking a strong start under interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen.

Eguavoen says the players have settled well in camp and are focused on delivering competitive performances in both legs of the encounter.

“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,” he said.

Comoros, however, will enter the contest with confidence after recording an emphatic 30-0 aggregate victory over Sudan in the first round.

They won the first leg 17-0 before completing the demolition with a 13-0 victory in the return fixture.

Despite the impressive scorelines, the Comorans face a significantly tougher challenge against Nigeria, one of Africa’s most established women’s football teams.

The Super Falcons received a bye into the second round, while Comoros had to navigate the opening stage of the qualifiers. Nigeria will now aim to capitalise on its greater experience and quality to secure an advantage ahead of the return leg scheduled for October 13.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade is expected to lead the Nigerian side, which also boasts experienced internationals, including goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Michelle Alozie, Toni Payne, Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini.

Both legs of the tie will be played in Nigeria, despite Friday’s encounter being designated as Comoros’ home fixture. The arrangement follows the island nation’s inability to provide a Confederation of African Football-approved venue for the match.

Playing at the familiar Remo Stars Stadium could offer Nigeria an advantage, but the Falcons will need to translate that familiarity into a convincing result.

With qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles as the ultimate objective, Nigeria will be eager to avoid unnecessary complications and establish a comfortable lead before the second leg.

For Eguavoen and his players, a disciplined and clinical performance in Ikenne would provide a solid foundation for the next stage of their Olympic qualification campaign.