LA Olympics Qualifier: Super Falcons Whip Comoros, Faces Morocco Next
By Saheed Afolabi
Nigeria national women’s football team trounced Comoros 5-0 at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne to qualify for the next round of the LA Olympics qualifier.
The trio of Blessing Okpe, Fatimoh Solaty and Shakirat Moshood made their debut for the Super Falcons in the second leg against Comoros.
Despite winning the first leg 2-0, both Uchenna Kanu, Tony Payne got a brace each while Tony Payne put the icing on the cake in a five star performance in the second leg.
Kanu got close by hitting the crossbar in the 38th minute from the edge of the box to attract a thunderous uproar from the spectators at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.
Kanu stole the ball from the Comoros goalkeper to set up Tony Payne who smashed the ball into the net for Nigeria in the 41st minute which opened the floodgate of goals in the encounter.
Substitute, Blessing Okpe raced through on goal in the 46th minute but her goal threatening pass couldn’t locate any Falcons player in the box.
In the 53rd minute, Folashade Ijamilusi threatened the Comoros defense with her pace and her cut back to Jennifer Echegini who’s weak shot didn’t pose any threat to the opposing goalkeper.
Ijamilusi threat on the right flank for Nigeria finally proved successful as she whipped in a dangerous cross in the 57th minute which met a thumping header from Kanu to double the Falcons lead.
Kanu saw her brilliant goal ruled out for offside in the 61st minute.
Okpe mesmerizes her way past series of Comoros defenders before setting up Payne to score her brace of the match in the 63rd minute.
Ijamilusi squared play a fantastic pass to the path of Kanu who powered home a scintillating header to get her brace and also Nigeria’s fourth goal of the encounter.
The Comoros defense couldn’t handle Okpe dazzling skills as she was brought down in the 18 yard box in the 70th minute while defender, Christy Ucheibe converted the spot kick smoothly to record the Super Falcons fifth goal of match.
The Super Falcons will face Morocco in the next round of the LA Olympics qualifier next year.
The first leg will be held on February 23, while the second leg will come up on March 6 2027.
