Super Falcons interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen has applauded his players following Nigeria’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Comoros, a result that sealed a commanding 7-0 aggregate triumph and qualification to the next round of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers.
Speaking after the match, Eguavoen expressed delight with the team’s performance, effort and commitment, describing the display as a fitting response to the work done on the training ground.
I’m very pleased and very happy. Congratulations to the girls, they made my day.
Nigeria had already taken a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, before producing an even more dominant performance in the return fixture to book a showdown against Morocco.
Injury Concern for Ajibade
The only sour note on an otherwise perfect evening was the early injury suffered by captain Rasheedat Ajibade.
Eguavoen confirmed that the forward had been taken for medical assessment, with an MRI scan expected to determine the severity of the problem.
“I spoke with the medical team and they said they were taking her for an MRI to ascertain the degree of the injury.”
The coach remains hopeful that the injury is not serious.
“I hope and pray that the injury is very, very minimal.”
Eguavoen Praises Okpe’s Impact
One of the major talking points after the match was the performance of Blessing Okpe, who grabbed her opportunity after receiving a late call-up to the squad.
Eguavoen admitted that he had received recommendations about the striker before eventually bringing her into the team.
“Luckily for Okpe, another player pulled out and she had a chance to come. I think she has proven that her late call-up was worth it.”
Okpe herself expressed gratitude for the opportunity and revealed her determination to make a positive impact whenever called upon.
“I was so happy when I came in. I took the chance that I could also perform well.”
Putting WAFCON Behind Them
Eguavoen revealed that one of his first messages to the players was the need to move on from previous disappointments and focus on the future.
The coach said the squad had collectively agreed to put the frustrations of recent setbacks behind them and concentrate on Olympic qualification.
“We agreed that we should put the WAFCON disappointment behind us and set our eyes on the Olympic Games.”
Forward Folashade Ijamilusi echoed that sentiment.
“The WAFCON is already behind us. We decided we don’t want to think about it anymore. We want to focus on the future.”
Building a Stronger Team Structure
The Super Falcons coach also shed light on his tactical philosophy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining structure while allowing creative players the freedom to express themselves.
According to Eguavoen, balance is key.
“When we talk about structure, it means maintaining our shape even when players move into attacking positions. There has to be understanding among the players.”
He also praised versatile players such as Christy Ucheibe, whose ability to operate in multiple positions has strengthened the team’s defensive stability.
Morocco Next
Attention now turns to a significantly tougher challenge against Morocco in the next round.
While acknowledging the quality of the North Africans, Eguavoen insisted Nigeria has every reason to remain confident.
“We expect to meet tougher opposition, no doubt about that. But the Super Falcons remain number one in Africa.”
The coach believes the team possesses the quality, personnel and support required to keep progressing.
Bigger Squad, Bigger Competition
Eguavoen also highlighted the importance of expanding Nigeria’s player pool and giving opportunities to more talents during future international windows.
Several players did not feature against Comoros, but the coach believes every member of the squad should remain involved.
We want to have a pool of quality players in every position. It gives the coach a good headache when selecting the team.
The former Super Eagles boss revealed that future training camps and friendly matches could provide opportunities for players who were unable to get minutes in the Comoros fixtures.
Room for Improvement
Despite the convincing scoreline, Eguavoen admitted there is still work to do, particularly in front of goal.
Nigeria created numerous chances across both matches and the coach believes stronger opponents may not allow the same margin for error.
You are 100 percent correct. If we scored some of those chances earlier, the opposition would retreat. We have to keep working on that.
He, however, credited the players’ football intelligence and commitment for the progress already made.
With Comoros dispatched in convincing fashion and a place in the next round secured, the Super Falcons will now turn their attention to Morocco as they continue their pursuit of a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.