The head coach of the Super Falcons, Augustine Eguavoen , along with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, addressed the media after Nigeria secured a 2-0 victory against Comoros in the first leg of the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers, held at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.
Goals from Michelle Alozie and Uchenna Kanu in the latter half laid the groundwork for Nigeria ahead of the second leg on Tuesday. Both Eguavoen and Nnadozie emphasized that their task is not yet complete.
Watch Michelle Alozie’s goal;
Although Nigeria controlled much of the first half and created numerous chances, they were unable to find the back of the net in the opening 45 minutes.
Eguavoen expressed that the scoreless first half caused some anxiety but he remained optimistic that a goal was forthcoming.
“The nil-nil was a bit worrisome. I knew at some point we would score. It was just a matter of time because we were dominating the game from beginning to the end of the first half.”
He also acknowledged Comoros’ determination, while asserting that Nigeria’s overall performance demonstrated their dominance.
When asked about the absence of Asisat Oshoala, Eguavoen noted that while her experience was missed, the team’s collective strength is crucial.
He explained that Oshoala’s exclusion was due to a hamstring injury following a conversation between them.
You can’t beat experience. Unfortunately Oshoala wasn’t here because she had a slight hamstring injury, but it’s about the Super Falcons, it’s about Nigeria, it’s about the collective.
The coach asserted that the strong camaraderie within the squad allows any player to emerge as a pivotal contributor when needed.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie advised against underestimating opponents based merely on their name, emphasizing that the competitive nature of football has heightened.
While she appreciates the result from the first leg, she stressed the importance of remaining focused for the upcoming match.
Football these days is no longer a place where you define a team by the name of the country. We are not done yet.
Nnadozie warned that Comoros would approach the second leg with vigor to change the outcome.
They will come back with everything to make sure they get a result, but we will keep working hard, stay focused and make sure we finish the job well.
The goals Nigeria scored were from set pieces, and Eguavoen mentioned that attacking strategies were reviewed at half-time.
He recognized that the team’s passing and finishing needed enhancement during the first half.
The final ball delivery was a problem. We talked about it at the end of the first half. I won’t tell you what we discussed, but we talked about it.
Further focus on both offensive execution and set-piece refinement will take place before the return match.
Eguavoen commended the integration of younger players from the Falconets and Flamingos into the senior team.
He noted the vital role of the more experienced players in assisting newcomers to adjust comfortably.
The senior players welcomed them with open arms. The blend of experience and youthfulness is very good going forward.
He expressed that mentoring promising young athletes is essential for cultivating the future generation of Super Falcons.
Reflecting on recent challenges, including the disappointment of missing out on the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Eguavoen stated that valuable lessons have been acquired.
The former Super Eagles coach encouraged supporters to stand by the team as they aim for qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Every team that plays against Nigeria wants to raise their game. It’s a lesson we have learned. All we ask is that Nigerians support us and believe in this team because this team has potential.
With a 2-0 lead secured, the Super Falcons are in a favorable position. Nonetheless, both Eguavoen and Nnadozie reiterated their commitment to avoiding any complacency ahead of Tuesday’s decisive second leg.
The nine-time African champions will aim to capitalize on their success in the first leg and secure their place in the next phase of the Olympics 2028 qualifiers.
