Super Falcons camp has grown to 18 players ahead of Nigeria’s 2028 Olympic qualifier against Comoros on October 9

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have stepped up preparations for their 2028 Olympic qualifying campaign, with the team’s camp in Ijebu-Ode now swelling to 18 players ahead of the two-legged clash with Comoros.

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The latest arrivals include midfielders Toni Payne and Christy Ucheibe, as well as young forward Janet Akekoromowei, giving interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen a stronger group to work with as the opening fixture approaches.

Fourteen players took part in the Falcons’ first training session on Monday at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne, where preparations began for the second-round Olympic qualifier.

The team is scheduled to continue training on Tuesday as Eguavoen works to blend the early arrivals with the experienced players expected to join the squad before the first leg.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Michelle Alozie and forwards Gift Monday, Uchenna Kanu and Joy Omewa are among those still expected in camp.

The Falcons were initially handed a 28-player squad for the assignment, with Eguavoen combining established internationals with several promising youngsters, including players promoted from the Falconets.

However, Nigeria will enter the tie without some of the players originally selected.

Asisat Oshoala and Ashleigh Plumptre have been excused from the assignment, while Benfica duo Oluwatosin Demehin and Flourish Sabastine are unavailable for the fixtures.

The absences mean Eguavoen must quickly settle on a balanced squad capable of handling a Comoros side that has already made a statement in the qualifying campaign.

Comoros advanced to the second round after demolishing Sudan 30-0 on aggregate, making the island nation a team Nigeria cannot afford to underestimate. Nigeria, meanwhile, received a bye into the second round.

The first leg is scheduled for Friday, October 9, with the return fixture set for Tuesday, October 13. Both matches will be played at the Remo Stars Sports Stadium in Ikenne-Remo because Comoros does not have a CAF-approved venue for international fixtures.

The unusual arrangement means the Falcons will effectively have home conditions for both legs, increasing expectations on the 10-time African champions to take control of the tie.

The Olympic qualifying race is particularly important for Nigeria after the Super Falcons missed the Paris 2024 Games.

They must progress through the qualifying rounds to secure one of Africa’s two available places at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

With more key players still expected to arrive, Eguavoen’s immediate task will be to establish cohesion quickly and ensure the Falcons are ready for the opening encounter.

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The latest arrivals of Payne, Ucheibe and Akekoromowei have given the squad another boost, but attention will now turn to the remaining players expected in camp and how quickly the team can reach full competitive sharpness before Friday’s decisive first leg.