LA Olympics Qualifier: Ayisat Yusuf Hails Falcons Win Over Comoros, Wishes Ajibade Swift Recovery
By Saheed Afolabi
Nigeria assistant coach, Ayisat Yusuf has praised Nigeria’s determination, discipline and teamwork following their successful completion of the second round of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers.
Nigeria secured a commanding 7-0 aggregate victory over Comoros after recording a 5-0 win in the second leg at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, to progress to the next round of the 2028 Olympic Games.
Yusuf said the team’s performances reflected the qualities that have continued to define the ten time African champions.
“Beyond the results, these two encounters reflected the determination, discipline, teamwork, and fighting spirit that continue to define this remarkable group of players,” she said.
The ex international expressed satisfaction with the players commitment and professionalism, noting that the matches also provided the technical crew with an opportunity to evaluate the team’s progress and identify areas for improvement.
“I am incredibly proud of the players for their dedication and execution on the pitch, and I commend the entire technical crew and support staff for their contributions behind the scenes.
“Success at this level is never an individual achievement, it is the result of a shared vision, preparation, sacrifice, and collective effort.”
However, the victory was accompanied by concern over the fitness of captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who was forced off the pitch after sustaining an ankle injury.
Yusuf expressed her support for the Atletico Madrid forward, wishing her a smooth and speedy recovery while emphasising the importance of her leadership and presence in the squad.
“Our thoughts are also with our captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, who was forced off following an ankle injury. Wishing her a smooth and speedy recovery. Her leadership, resilience, and presence remain invaluable to this team.”
Despite the emphatic aggregate victory, Yusuf said that the Super Falcons would not allow the result to distract them from their ultimate objective of securing a place at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
She noted that the team still had work to do, with further lessons to learn as preparations continue for the subsequent stages of the qualifying campaign.
“While we celebrate this positive result, we remain focused on the bigger picture. There is still work to be done, lessons to be learned, and greater heights to pursue.
“The journey continues, the ambition remains strong, and the focus stays on the ultimate goal.”
Nigeria will trade tackles with Morocco in the next round of the Olympics qualifier with the first leg coming up on February 23 while the second leg will be held on March 6 2027.
