The Super Falcons are preparing for the first leg of their second-round qualifier at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, with the decisive encounter scheduled for Friday, October 9.
Final preparations in Ikenne
The final training session is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, giving Eguavoen an opportunity to make the final adjustments to his tactical plans before the opening whistle.
The media will be allowed to watch the first 15 minutes of the session before the remainder takes place behind closed doors as the coaching staff completes its preparations.
Before the workout, Eguavoen and Ajibade will attend a pre-match press conference at 4:30 p.m., where they are expected to discuss Nigeria’s preparations and expectations for the encounter.
Eguavoen confident despite withdrawals
The Super Falcons enter the tie after several changes to the original squad, including the withdrawals of Asisat Oshoala, Ashley Plumptre and Oluwatosin Demehin.
However, Eguavoen has dismissed concerns that the absences will weaken Nigeria, insisting that the replacements possess the quality and experience required to contribute to the team.
The interim coach also confirmed that the players have settled well in camp and that the team is now focused on producing a strong performance against Comoros.
Ajibade leads Olympic qualification campaign
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade will lead Nigeria's attempt to secure an advantage in the two-legged tie and move one step closer to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Ajibade and six other players joined the camp earlier this week, taking the number of players in camp to 21 at the time.
Nigeria received a bye into the second round, while Comoros advanced after a remarkable 30-0 aggregate victory over Sudan in the opening round.
The winner of the tie on aggregate will advance to the third round of the African qualifying series, which is scheduled to be resolved in March 2027.
First leg moved to Ikenne
Friday’s encounter was originally expected to be played in Comoros, but both legs will now be staged at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo, because Comoros do not have a CAF-approved venue for the fixture.
The NFF has confirmed that Friday’s first leg will kick off at 6:00 p.m. Nigerian time, with the return leg scheduled for October 13 at the same venue.
With the final training session and pre-match press conference set for Thursday, Eguavoen and Ajibade will have their final opportunity to outline Nigeria’s readiness before the Super Falcons begin their latest bid to return to the Olympic Games.