Super Falcons interim coach Austin Eguavoen has expressed confidence in his team’s readiness ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2028 Olympic Games qualifying fixture against Comoros, insisting the players are fully committed to getting the job done.
Watch Softfootball converage for the super falcons third training session ahead of their clash with Comoros
Nigeria will take on Comoros in the first leg of the qualifier at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Friday, October 9, before the reverse fixture takes place at the same venue on Tuesday, October 13. The aggregate winner will progress to the next stage of the qualification campaign for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Eguavoen admitted that his appointment as interim coach of the Super Falcons surprised many observers but stressed that his vast experience in football management and coaching has prepared him for the challenge.
Football is football. A lot of people were shocked and surprised that Eguavoen had to do the female team, but why not? It has to do with football, and it’s a very sensitive job. With my years of experience in coaching and football management, I think it’s something I can handle.
Watch the Video Below;
The former Super Eagles coach also highlighted his previous involvement with Nigeria’s women’s youth teams and praised the support of the coaching and backroom staff working alongside him.
It’s not the first time I’ve been around the women’s teams. With the help of the coaches around me and the experienced backroom staff, I believe we will sail through.
Growing Confidence in Camp
The coach revealed that the Super Falcons camp continues to grow stronger, with more players arriving and participating in training sessions.
According to Eguavoen, approximately 22 players were involved in the latest training session, a significant improvement from the opening days of camp.
“We’ve had two training sessions already. There were some late arrivals initially, but today the number increased to about 22 players, which was very encouraging.”
The 61-year-old was particularly impressed by the fitness levels and sharpness displayed by the players, noting that most members of the squad are currently active with their clubs.
“Watching the training session, we are very optimistic. The players are sharp, they are in season, and fitness-wise there is no doubt about that. Performance-wise they have also looked very good.”
One Goal: Beat Comoros
Despite Nigeria’s status as Africa’s most successful women’s football nation, Eguavoen insists there can be no room for complacency.
“We are the best in Africa when it comes to women’s football, but we still have to do the job. The players know why we are here and they are eager to go. They have shown total commitment.”
The coach made it clear that the team’s immediate objective is straightforward.
“There is one goal in mind, and that is to win this game. Then we will focus on what comes next.”
Injury Concerns and Squad Competition
Eguavoen also addressed the absence of a number of players from the squad, explaining that injuries were the primary reason behind their omission.
He revealed that regular communication was maintained with affected players throughout the selection process, with medical reports and scans used to determine their availability.
“When a player is injured, she is injured. We stayed in constant contact, asking them to see doctors, undergo scans and MRIs, and provide updates. In the end, we agreed that they would miss this game but should be available for future matches.”
The experienced tactician further emphasized that representing Nigeria remains a privilege and that players must take every opportunity available to them.
“Nigeria is a big country. Playing for your national team is a privilege, not a right. We constantly remind the players of this, and they understand it.”
With intense competition for places within the squad, Eguavoen believes every player must seize her chance whenever called upon.
We are blessed with so much talent. If you get an opportunity and don’t make the most of it, somebody else will step in and take that chance.
Ready for the Challenge
The coach also hailed the contribution of players who recently represented Nigeria at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, noting that their presence has strengthened preparations.
As the Super Falcons enter the final phase of their build-up, Eguavoen remains convinced that the team is ready for the task ahead.
The players in camp are ready to go. Some have just returned from the U-20 World Cup, while others have been here for several days. We are ready, 100 percent ready.
With confidence high in camp and qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games at stake, the Super Falcons will be aiming to make a strong statement when they face Comoros in Friday’s first-leg encounter.
