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“It Is Important We Start With a Win” — Ajibade Leads Super Falcons’ Charge Against Comoros

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Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has stressed the importance of securing a winning start to Nigeria’s Olympic qualifying campaign as the African champions prepare to face Comoros in the first leg at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

 READ ALSO: Ajibade, Echegini on Target as PSG Beat Fleury 3-1 in French League | Sports247 Nigeria

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Ajibade expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparations, highlighting the quality of the training sessions and the growing understanding among players as they prepare for the crucial encounter, Sports247 gathered.

“Still, it has been an amazing one with the quality of training techniques, and we are gradually getting to know ourselves well,” the captain said.

The Nigerian squad has been working under interim head coach Austin Eguavoen and his technical crew ahead of the meeting with Comoros, with the team aiming to make home advantage count.

Ajibade also addressed the impact of injuries on the squad, describing the situation as an opportunity for other players to step up and contribute to the team’s objectives.

“This is football; injuries come, and it is an opportunity for other players to get involved,” she noted.

The captain’s comments reflect the need for collective responsibility as Nigeria navigates the qualification campaign, where squad depth and team cohesion could prove important.

Ajibade Emphasises Importance of Winning Start

With a place in the next round at stake, Ajibade underlined the importance of beginning the campaign positively, while acknowledging the challenges associated with Olympic qualification.

“It is important we start well with a win. Truly, the qualification is tighter than the World Cup qualifier, but we will take it one step at a time,” she said.

The Super Falcons are seeking another appearance at the Olympic Games after representing Nigeria at Paris 2024. Their immediate focus, however, remains on overcoming Comoros and putting themselves in a strong position ahead of the return leg.

As captain, Ajibade will be expected to provide leadership both on and off the pitch as the team looks to translate its preparations into a positive result.

The first-leg encounter in Ikenne offers Nigeria an opportunity to establish an advantage in the tie, but the Falcons will need to remain focused throughout the contest.

With preparations complete and the players increasingly familiar with one another, Ajibade and her teammates will now look to deliver a performance that reflects their ambitions and takes them a step closer to the next stage of Olympic qualification.

The post “It Is Important We Start With a Win” — Ajibade Leads Super Falcons’ Charge Against Comoros appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

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National Football Teams

Super Falcons to Face Algeria in Two-Match Friendly Series Ahead of Future International Assignments

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Nigeria’s Super Falcons are set to face Algeria in a two-match friendly series during the November/December 2026 international window as the 10-time African champions continue preparations for future international engagements.

Sports247 reports that the double-header will see both teams meet first in the Algerian capital, Algiers, before travelling to Tizi-Ouzou for the return fixture four days later.

The first encounter is scheduled for Monday, November 30, at the 5 July 1962 Stadium in Algiers, with kick-off set for 6:00 pm.

The teams will meet again on Friday, December 4, at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium in Tizi-Ouzou. The second match is scheduled to begin at 5:00 pm.

The fixtures will provide the Super Falcons with an opportunity to test their readiness, assess their squad options and build match fitness ahead of their upcoming international commitments.

For Algeria, the two meetings against the reigning African champions will offer a valuable opportunity to measure their progress against one of the continent’s most established women’s national teams.

The Super Falcons, who have won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations a record 10 times, will be looking to make the most of the international window through competitive action against the North African side.

With two fixtures scheduled within four days, the series is expected to provide both technical crews with useful opportunities to assess their players and fine-tune their preparations.

NIGERIA vs ALGERIA

First Leg

– Date: Monday, November 30, 2026

– Kick-off: 6:00 pm

– Venue: 5 July 1962 Stadium, Algiers

Second Leg

– Date: Friday, December 4, 2026

– Kick-off: 5:00 pm

– Venue: Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium, Tizi-Ouzou

The post Super Falcons to Face Algeria in Two-Match Friendly Series Ahead of Future International Assignments appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

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National Football Teams

Tanzania’s Early Arrival In Uyo Puts Super Eagles Under Instant Pressure Ahead Of Friday’s 2027 AFCON Qualifier

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The decision by Taifa Stars of Tanzania to arrive early in Uyo ahead of Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier has put their hosts under instant pressure heading into the game, Sports247 gathered.

READ ALSO: Stephanie Okechukwu Gets Comforting Words From Coach, Following Low Key Debut In USA’s NCAA Women’s Basketball League | Sports247 Nigeria

Tanzania’s decision to arrive four days before the game billed for Godswill Akpabio International Stadium is mostly due to issues of acclimatisation, but there is also the extra psychological boost it gives them regarding familiarity with the environment.

As it were, while the Taifa Stars looked totally focused, with a full and complete squad on arrival, their hosts’ camp was far from full heading into Wednesday, which is just two days to the game.

While the visitors were able to quickly settle down and soon began full training, the only early arrivals in Nigeria’s camp were Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman and Semi Ajayi on Tuesday evening, followed by Arthur Okonkwo, Benjamin Fredrick, Alhassan Yusuf, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Moses Simon.

A total of 14 players were expected to arrive Wednesday, which meant Nigeria’s plans were 48 hours behind those of the visitors, whom the Super Eagles must defeat home and away in order to topple Guinea-Bissau from the top spot of the group table.

Sports247 reports further that a shock 3-0 win for Guinea-Bissau at home against Nigeria took them top of the group with six points, while the Super Eagles are second with three points, followed by Madagascar on one point, same with Tanzania.

The post Tanzania’s Early Arrival In Uyo Puts Super Eagles Under Instant Pressure Ahead Of Friday’s 2027 AFCON Qualifier appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

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Osimhen Injury Blow: Super Eagles Lose Key Striker Ahead of Tanzania AFCON Qualifiers

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Nigeria have suffered a major setback ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania, with Victor Osimhen ruled out after sustaining a left knee injury during Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League encounter against Stuttgart.

Sports247 reports that the Super Eagles striker reportedly picked up the injury after slipping and falling while attempting to make a pass during the European fixture.

The playing surface appeared slippery, and the incident raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding his injury.

Osimhen’s latest setback will be a significant concern for both Galatasaray and Nigeria, given his importance to their attacking ambitions.

The forward has become a central figure for the Super Eagles, and his absence leaves the national team without one of its most influential attacking options for the upcoming international fixtures.

Questions have also emerged over why the striker continued playing until the final whistle despite concerns that he had sustained an injury.

While the full circumstances surrounding the medical team’s decision remain unclear, an earlier assessment or substitution could have been considered to avoid exposing the player to further risk.

However, without an official medical explanation, it would be premature to conclude that his continued involvement worsened the injury.

For Nigeria, the timing could hardly be more challenging. The Super Eagles must now prepare to face Tanzania without a striker whose presence, movement and goal threat offer a major advantage in crucial qualifying matches.

The development also renews concerns about Osimhen’s recurring injury problems, with supporters hoping the latest setback will not keep him out of action for an extended period.

As the Nigerian international begins his recovery, attention will turn to the medical assessment and rehabilitation process, with both club and country eager to see him return to full fitness.

Everyone will be hoping for a successful recovery and a stronger return for one of Nigeria’s most important players.

The post Osimhen Injury Blow: Super Eagles Lose Key Striker Ahead of Tanzania AFCON Qualifiers appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

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