Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen had initially invited 28 players for the second-round qualifying fixture, but a number of key players have now been excused from the camp.
Oshoala and Plumptre unavailable
Five-time Africa Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala has pleaded to be excused from the assignment, while defender Ashley Plumptre is unavailable because of a sprain and ligament injury.
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed both developments in its latest update from the Falcons’ camp in Ikenne.
Oshoala’s absence removes one of Nigeria’s most experienced attacking options, while Plumptre had only recently returned to the squad after missing the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations through injury.
Benfica duo also miss the tie
SL Benfica defenders Oluwatosin Demehin and forward Flourish Sabastine will also not feature in the two-legged encounter as they pursue their residence permits.
Their absence further reduces Eguavoen’s options ahead of the crucial qualifying tie.
With Oshoala unavailable, Eguavoen has called up Belarus-based former U20 forward Blessing Nkor as a replacement.
Two youngsters released to Flamingos
Eguavoen has also released Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Favour Nkwocha from the Falcons’ camp to join the Flamingos ahead of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Adegbuyi was named the Most Valuable Player at the recently concluded WAFU-B U17 Girls Cup in Yamoussoukro, while Nkwocha featured for Nigeria at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
The Flamingos are due to depart Nigeria ahead of the U17 World Cup, which makes the release of the two players important to Nigeria’s preparations for the tournament.
14 players train in Ikenne
Despite the absences, 14 players trained on Monday evening as the Super Falcons began preparations for the Olympic qualifiers.
The NFF confirmed that another 11 players are expected to join the group, including Michelle Alozie, Christy Ucheibe, Jennifer Echegini, captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Gift Monday.
The players already in camp include goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma, defenders Farida Abdulwahab, Tumininu Adeshina, Valentina Uroko, Glory Edet, Shukurat Oladipo and Glory Ogbonna, alongside midfielders Oluchi Omenazu, Joy Igbokwe, Fatimoh Solaty and Suliat Abideen, and forwards Shakirat Moshood, Blessing Nkor and Sandra John.
Falcons face Comoros in two-legged tie
Nigeria will face Comoros in the second round of the African qualifying series for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The first leg is scheduled for Friday, 9 October, with the return leg taking place on Tuesday, 13 October. Both matches will be played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo because Comoros do not have a CAF-approved venue for international fixtures.
Nigeria received a bye into the second round as one of Africa’s three highest-ranked teams in the qualifying competition, while Comoros advanced after defeating Sudan 30-0 on aggregate.
The winner over the two legs will advance to the third round of the qualification campaign, with Nigeria aiming to secure a place at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Super Falcons’ key absences
• Asisat Oshoala: Excused from the Olympic qualifiers
• Ashley Plumptre: Unavailable through a sprain and ligament injury
• Oluwatosin Demehin: Unavailable while pursuing residence permit requirements
• Flourish Sabastine: Unavailable while pursuing residence permit requirements
• Oluwakemi Adegbuyi: Released to join the Flamingos
• Favour Nkwocha: Released to join the Flamingos
• Blessing Nkor: Called up as Oshoala’s replacement