LA Olympics Qualifier: Eguavoen Hints At Super Falcons Debutants Against Comoros
By Saheed Afolabi
Nigeria interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen has hinted that some players could make their debuts for the national team when they face Comoros in the second leg of their 2028 Olympic Games qualifying tie on Tuesday at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.
Eguavoen disclosed that the team’s ongoing preparations have provided an opportunity to assess several new invitees, with the coaching crew considering giving some of them playing time as Nigeria look to complete the job against Comoros.
The Super Falcons head into the return fixture with a 2-0 advantage from the first leg and will be aiming for another victory to strengthen their bid to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
According to Eguavoen, 13 to 14 of the 27 players in camp are first-time invitees, as the team seeks to expand its options ahead of more demanding assignments.
“There were twenty-seven in camp. And first-time invitees about thirteen, fourteen. I think what we’re trying to do is start looking more. It’s not that the ones that have been here before and are not here for these games are ruled out, no,” Eguavoen said at the prematch Press Conference.
The coach explained that the decision to bring more players into the squad was part of a broader plan to build a larger pool of quality options capable of stepping up when the team faces tougher opposition.
“We’re trying to do a very big pool so that when the games become a bit tougher, we have a pool of maybe forty to draw from.”
Eguavoen also singled out Joy Igbokwe for praise following her performance, while suggesting that another player could be handed an opportunity in Tuesday’s encounter.
“Yeah, Joy Igbokwe was very pleased with her performance. Likewise, someone you might see tomorrow. I use the word ‘might.’ And so far, enjoying the twenty-seven players in camp. Performance-wise, very good, which is a challenge, which is a very good challenge for the coach.”
The former Super Eagles coach admitted that having several players competing for places had made selection more difficult, but described the situation as a positive challenge for the technical crew.
“When you have players in abundance and everyone is ready to play, you have a sleepless night. But the good thing is we have good relationship, we understand, we have a goal, like I said, and it’s a collective effort to make sure we achieve that goal.”
The Super Falcons will hope to capitalise on their first-leg advantage against Comoros, while Tuesday’s encounter could also offer a glimpse of the emerging talent Eguavoen wants to integrate into Nigeria’s wider player pool.
