LA 2028 Olympics qualifiers: Super Falcons thrash Comoros 7-0 on aggregate

The Super Falcons booked their place in the third round of the LA 2028 Olympics qualifiers after thrashing Comoros 5-0 in Tuesday’s second leg at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, to complete a commanding 7-0 aggregate victory.

Toni Payne and Uchenna Kanu scored twice each, while Christy Ucheibe converted a penalty as Nigeria turned their 2-0 first-leg advantage into a comprehensive victory on home soil.

The result sends the 10-time African champions into the next round, where they will face Morocco in their quest to secure a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Payne breaks the deadlock

The Super Falcons dominated much of the opening half but initially struggled to convert their chances into goals.

Nigeria suffered an early setback when captain Rasheedat Ajibade was forced off following a heavy collision in the 28th minute. Folashade Ijamilusi came on as her replacement.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 41st minute when Kanu capitalised on a mistake by the Comoros goalkeeper before squaring the ball for Payne to finish from close range.

Nigeria took their 1-0 lead into half-time, extending their aggregate advantage to 3-0.

Kanu and Payne strike again

The Super Falcons returned from the interval with greater attacking intent and doubled their lead on the night in the 58th minute.

Ijamilusi delivered a cross into the penalty area, which Kanu met with a header to make it 2-0 and further strengthen Nigeria’s grip on the tie.

Payne completed her brace in the 63rd minute after substitute Blessing Okpe beat two Comoros defenders before setting up the midfielder to finish.

Three minutes later, Kanu added her second goal of the match, heading home another Ijamilusi delivery to put Nigeria 4-0 ahead on the night.

The forward’s brace and Payne’s two goals underlined Nigeria’s attacking superiority as Comoros struggled to contain the hosts after the break.

Ucheibe completes the rout

Nigeria completed the scoring in the 71st minute when Ucheibe converted from the penalty spot.

The spot-kick was awarded after Okpe was fouled inside the penalty area, allowing Ucheibe to put the finishing touch on an emphatic performance.

The five-goal victory ensured that the Super Falcons advanced with a clean sheet across both legs, having also won the opening fixture 2-0.

Morocco await in third round

The Super Falcons will now turn their attention to Morocco in the third round of the African qualifying campaign.

Morocco advanced automatically after the Republic of the Congo withdrew from the competition, setting up a more demanding test for Nigeria as the race for Olympic qualification continues.

With only two places available for African teams at the LA 2028 Women’s Football Tournament, the Super Falcons will need to maintain their momentum as they pursue consecutive Olympic appearances following their return at Paris 2024.

Nigeria’s emphatic win over Comoros provides a strong platform, but the upcoming tie against Morocco will offer a clearer measure of their progress towards securing a place at the Games.

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