Super Falcons sweep aside Comoros to reach Olympic qualifying third round

Nigeria’s Super Falcons advanced to the third round of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualifier with a 5-0 victory over Comoros in Ikenne on Tuesday.

The result completed a 7-0 aggregate win for the former African champions after they had also won the first leg.

Toni Payne and Uchenna Kanu both scored twice, while Christy Ucheibe completed the scoring from the penalty spot as Nigeria produced a dominant second-leg performance.

Gift Monday had an early opportunity to open the scoring in the 10th minute, but could not convert a clear chance.

Kanu then came close five minutes later when her left-footed effort struck the crossbar before Comoros goalkeeper Aicha Said gathered the rebound.

Nigeria were forced into a change in the 29th minute when captain Rasheedat Ajibade went off injured. She was replaced by Folashade Ijamilusi.

Kanu hit the woodwork again six minutes before half-time, with the forward denied a second time by the crossbar.

The deadlock was eventually broken when Payne finished from Kanu’s assist after a costly error by Said.

Nigeria carried their momentum into the second half and doubled their advantage in the 58th minute. Kanu headed home a cross from Ijamilusi.

The striker appeared to have added another goal three minutes later, but it was ruled out for offside.

Payne restored Nigeria’s three-goal lead in the 63rd minute, scoring her second of the match after substitute Blessing Okpe created the opportunity. Okpe dribbled past two Comoros defenders before cutting the ball back for Payne to finish.

Kanu completed her brace three minutes later, meeting another Ijamilusi cross with a header to put the Super Falcons 4-0 ahead.

Nigeria’s attacking pressure continued and they were awarded a penalty in the 71st minute after Okpe was fouled inside the Comoros penalty area.

Ucheibe converted from the spot to seal a comprehensive victory and confirm the Super Falcons’ place in the next round of Olympic qualifying.