Eguavoen names 28-player Super Falcons squad for Los Angeles 2028 qualifiers

Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen has selected 28 players for Nigeria’s second-round Olympic qualifying tie against Comoros, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade and first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie among the leading names.

Nigeria received a bye into the second round as one of Africa’s three highest-ranked teams. Comoros reached this stage after defeating Sudan 30-0 on aggregate, winning the first leg 17-0 and the return 13-0.

The opening match will be played on October 9, followed by the second leg on October 13. Both fixtures will take place at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo because Comoros do not have a venue approved by CAF.

The players are expected at the AM2PM Hotel in Ijebu-Ode on Saturday, October 3, leaving Eguavoen less than a week to prepare for the first game.

Nnadozie, the Brighton goalkeeper, remains central to Nigeria’s plans, while Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Ajibade provides leadership in attack and from the captaincy. The squad’s experienced defensive options include Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin, Ashley Plumptre and Shukurat Oladipo.

Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne and Jennifer Echegini offer midfield alternatives, while the forward group features Asisat Oshoala, Uchenna Kanu, Gift Monday, Flourish Sabastine and Joy Omewa.

Eguavoen has also included several players with less recent involvement in the senior team. Comfort Erhabor adds goalkeeping cover, with Glory Ogbonna, Glory Edet and Joy Igbokwe strengthening the defensive and midfield options.

Igbokwe captained Nigeria’s U20 side at the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, where the team reached the quarter-finals before a narrow defeat by Colombia. Shakirat Moshood also progressed through the youth sides and was involved in the U20 World Cup qualifying campaign before featuring at the tournament.

Janet Akekoromowei, the Benfica forward, scored against England at the U20 World Cup in Poland, while Edo Queens goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma earned promotion to the senior squad after a standout campaign for the Falconets, including important saves against England.

Farida Abdulwahab, Tumininu Adeshina, Favour Nkwocha and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi form part of the younger contingent. Adegbuyi was named the outstanding player as Nigeria’s U17 side won the WAFU B Girls Cup in Cote d’Ivoire at the weekend.

Fatimoh Solaty, Suliat Abideen and Blessing Nkor are also included.

Nigeria must overcome Comoros to reach the third round, where the winner will meet either DR Congo or Morocco between February 23 and March 6, 2027. The qualification process runs until December 2027, with Africa allocated only two places at 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.