Ajibade, Echegini and Omewa fire as Super Falcons receive Olympic qualifying boost

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have received an encouraging boost ahead of their 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualifying clash with Comoros, with several key players finding the net for their clubs over the weekend.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Jennifer Echegini and Joy Omewa all impressed in front of goal, while goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie also helped her club secure a convincing victory.

Ajibade and Echegini strike for PSG

Ajibade and Echegini were both on target for Paris Saint-Germain Féminine as they defeated Fleury 3-1 in the French Première Ligue on Sunday.

Echegini opened the scoring in the 36th minute before Ajibade doubled PSG’s advantage in the 58th minute.

Their goals provide an encouraging sign for interim Super Falcons head coach Augustine Eguavoen, who will be hoping the pair can carry their club form into the Olympic qualifiers.

Omewa scores twice for Häcken

In Sweden, Joy Omewa also enjoyed a productive weekend, scoring twice as BK Häcken thrashed IK Uppsala 9-0 in the Damallsvenskan.

Omewa opened the scoring in the 10th minute after receiving an assist from Thelma Pálmadóttir before completing her brace during Häcken's emphatic victory.

Her goals add another attacking option for Nigeria as Eguavoen prepares his squad for the two-legged encounter with Comoros.

Nnadozie helps Brighton return to winning ways

Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was also involved in a convincing victory, helping Brighton & Hove Albion Women defeat Charlton Athletic Women 5-1 in the Women's Super League.

The result ended Brighton's five-match winless run, which had included two defeats and two draws.

Falcons prepare for Comoros

Nigeria are preparing for a crucial second-round Olympic qualifying tie against Comoros, with the first leg scheduled for Friday, October 9.

The return leg will take place on Tuesday, October 13, with both matches set to be played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo because Comoros does not have a CAF-approved venue for international fixtures.

The Falcons began preparations with 14 players in camp on Monday, while more of the foreign-based players were expected to join the squad.

However, Nigeria will enter the tie without several invited players. Asisat Oshoala has been excused, while Ashley Plumptre is unavailable because of a sprain and ligament injury. Benfica duo Oluwatosin Demehin and Flourish Sabastine are also unavailable because of residence-permit issues.

Former Falconets forward Blessing Okpe has been called up as a replacement for Oshoala.

Nigeria targeting another Olympic appearance

The Super Falcons returned to the Olympic stage at Paris 2024 after a 16-year absence and will now attempt to qualify for successive editions of the Games.

With several of their established players arriving in camp in good club form, Eguavoen will hope the Falcons can turn that momentum into a strong performance against Comoros.

Nigeria must negotiate a demanding qualifying campaign to secure one of Africa's two available places in the women's football tournament at Los Angeles 2028.

Key points

• Rasheedat Ajibade: Scored in PSG's 3-1 win over Fleury
• Jennifer Echegini: Scored in the same PSG victory
• Joy Omewa: Scored twice for BK Häcken in a 9-0 win
• Chiamaka Nnadozie: Helped Brighton beat Charlton 5-1
• Nigeria vs Comoros: First leg, October 9
• Return leg: October 13
• Venue: Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo

Nigfooty Sports Desk

Nigfooty Sports Desk is the newsroom team of Nigfooty.com, delivering trusted sports news, reports, analysis and updates covering Nigerian football, African football, international football and other sports.

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