Four notable players are out, but the interim coach says a full camp and a late call up leave the Falcons ready for Friday’s first leg.
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Four withdrawals, one late call-up
Super Falcons interim coach Augustine Eguavoen says the withdrawals of key players will not affect his side against Comoros. Asisat Oshoala, Ashleigh Plumptre, Oluwatosin Demehin and Flourish Sabastine have all pulled out of the squad. FootballInNigeria.com.ng reports that Eguavoen backs the replacements to deliver.
Eguavoen said everyone has settled in well and that the camp has “a full house now”. His focus is on presenting a strong, competitive squad for both matches.
Blueprint reports that Plumptre asked to be excused because of a sprain and ligament injury, while Benfica duo Demehin and Sabastine are tied up with residence permit matters. Oshoala also asked to be excused.
Belarus-based forward Blessing Okpe, who received a late invitation, is the only player still expected to join camp in Ijebu-Ode. Eguavoen also released Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Favour Nkwocha back to the Flamingos for the U-17 World Cup.
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What is at stake
Nigeria and Comoros meet in a two leg second-round tie, with both games at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on October 9 and 13. The venue is in Nigeria because Comoros could not provide a suitable pitch.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade leads the Falcons as they chase a second successive Olympic appearance after Paris 2024. Winning the tie would send them to the third round of the five round African qualifying series, due to be decided in March 2027.
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Can the replacements deliver?
Losing Oshoala, a multiple time African Player of the Year, is a blow on paper. Plumptre’s absence also removes experience in defence. Eguavoen believes the depth in camp, which includes Ajibade, Chiamaka Nnadozie and Michelle Alozie, can cover the gap.
Comoros beat Sudan 30-0 on aggregate to reach this round, so they will not be easy to beat. Can the Falcons build a clear first leg lead? Friday will tell.
Fans keen on the Olympic race can also see Bet9ja’s promotion page before the return leg on October 13.
📌 Did You Know?
- The Super Falcons returned to the Olympic women’s football tournament at Paris 2024 after a 16-year absence.
- Nigeria made their Olympic debut at Sydney 2000 and have since appeared at Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and Paris 2024.
- Only 14 players trained when preparations began in Ikenne on Monday.
- Okpe is a former Nigeria U-20 forward.
- The full African qualifying campaign runs until December 2027.
