Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has warned Nigeria not to underestimate Comoros after a 2-0 victory in the first leg of their second-round qualifying tie for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The Brighton Women FC goalkeeper said the result had given Nigeria an important advantage, but insisted the team still needed to improve when the sides meet again on Tuesday.
Nigeria controlled much of Friday’s match in Ikenne-Remo, yet Nnadozie believes the two-goal lead is not enough to guarantee progress. She said the continued development of women's football meant less-fancied nations could no longer be judged by reputation alone.
The Super Falcons goalkeeper added that Nigeria would approach the return fixture with the same seriousness as a match against a more established opponent. Comoros, she warned, would be determined to respond after losing the opening encounter.
Nigeria are the most successful team in African women's football, having won the Women's Africa Cup of Nations a record 10 times. However, Nnadozie stressed that the country’s history could not secure qualification, particularly in a competition where every result is significant.
The return fixture is officially Comoros’ home leg but will again be played at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo. Nigeria must protect their advantage while maintaining enough attacking ambition to extend it.
Nigeria make strong start
Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen handed a senior debut to former Falconets captain Joy Igbokwe, who started in midfield.
The Super Falcons dominated possession and dictated the tempo for long periods, but they were unable to turn their first-half control into a goal. Toni Payne curled an effort wide in the 11th minute, before she created another opportunity for captain Rasheedat Ajibade in the 26th minute.
Ajibade’s shot struck the crossbar, but Glory Ogbonna could not convert the rebound as Comoros continued to withstand the pressure.
Nigeria finally broke through three minutes after half-time. In the 48th minute, Gift Monday nodded a cross into the danger area and Michelle Alozie reacted calmly to score with a right-footed tap-in.
The second goal arrived on the hour. Jennifer Echegini delivered a precise corner and Uchenna Kanu reacted quickest inside the box, heading past the goalkeeper.
Janet Akekoromowei replaced Payne in the 61st minute to make her senior debut for Nigeria, while Suliat Abideen came on for Monday in the 69th minute to earn her first cap. Folashade Ijamilusi replaced Kanu in stoppage time as Nigeria managed the closing stages.
Comoros had previously secured a reported 30-0 aggregate victory, but face a far tougher task against Nigeria. They must overturn a two-goal deficit to remain in contention.
The winners on aggregate will advance to the third round of the five-round African qualifying series, where Morocco await.