Two goals from Michelle Alozie and Uchenna Kanu in the second half of the game secured a 2-0 victory for Nigeria’s Super Falcons against Comoros in the first leg of their second-round qualifier for the 2028 Olympic Games.

The tie, played at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne on Friday, was officially Comoros’ home game. Both legs are being staged in Nigeria because the island nation has no CAF-approved venue.

The Falcons created several chances in a goalless first half, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade hitting the woodwork. Comoros defended resolutely to reach the break level.

Nigeria broke through three minutes after start of the second round.

Alozie, who plays for Houston Dash, finished from close range in the 48th minute. She nearly added a second shortly afterwards, but the Comoros goalkeeper kept out her effort.

Kanu made it 2-0 in the 59th minute, heading home to give the Falcons a two-goal cushion. Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen then replaced Toni Payne with Semeihya Janet in the 61st minute in search of more goals.

The 19-year-old Janet was one of several changes aimed at a third goal. Kanu had a chance for her second in the 71st minute, but her shot from outside the box was weak and comfortably saved.

Comoros reached this stage after beating Sudan 30-0 on aggregate, winning 17-0 and 13-0, while Nigeria were handed a bye into the second round. Eguavoen had said before the match that the camp had settled well.

The return leg is on Tuesday, October 13, at the same venue.

The winner on aggregate moves closer to a place at the Los Angeles Games, where Nigeria hope to appear at consecutive Olympics after returning at Paris 2024 following a 16-year absence.

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