Eguavoen hopes Olympic qualifying win leads to Super Falcons job

Austine Eguavoen has expressed interest in remaining as Super Falcons head coach after Nigeria reached the third round of the 2028 Olympic Games women’s football qualifiers with a 7-0 aggregate victory over Comoros.

Nigeria followed their 2-0 first-leg win with a 5-0 success in Ikenne on Tuesday, October 13. They will now face Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses in the next stage of the African qualifying campaign.

Eguavoen, who is currently in interim charge, praised the players for responding to his requests in training and said the result reflected the effort they had shown before the match. He had previously appealed to the squad for their support while he settled into the role.

Uchenna Kanu and Toni Payne both scored twice in the second leg, while Christy Ucheibe completed the victory from the penalty spot. Nigeria’s attacking display ensured they advanced without conceding across the two matches.

The coach said Comoros provided a more demanding test in the return fixture despite the scoreline. Having lost the opening match 2-0, the visitors showed greater determination in Ikenne and made Nigeria work to maintain control before the hosts pulled away after half-time.

Eguavoen believed Comoros’ aggregate deficit gave the team a different mentality, with little left for them to lose. Nigeria eventually broke through decisively, scoring three goals in eight minutes during the second half before adding the penalty.

The result gave the Super Falcons a strong start to their bid to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Their third-round tie against Morocco is scheduled to be played over two legs between February 23 and March 6, 2027.

Eguavoen indicated that Nigeria could improve further if he is retained for the next round. He said more time with the squad would allow the technical crew to address areas of the team’s performance, particularly because some players joined the group late.

However, there has been no confirmation that he will continue beyond the current assignment. Eguavoen acknowledged that he could return to his office if another coach is appointed, while suggesting he would welcome the opportunity to remain in charge.

He also praised Blessing Okpe, who was brought into the squad after another player withdrew. Eguavoen said the late call-up had proved worthwhile and highlighted the competition for places within the team.

The interim coach indicated that he had already considered recommending Okpe to the team’s director if he were to leave the position. Her performance made a positive impression and, according to Eguavoen, he would recommend her to any successor.

Nigeria’s immediate priority is their meeting with Morocco, who will offer a sterner test after the comprehensive win over Comoros. Eguavoen’s future remains undecided, but the Super Falcons enter the next round with confidence gained from their goal-filled qualification victory.