Comoros 0-2 Super Falcons: Player ratings

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have taken the first step in their qualification journey for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, defeating Comoros 2-0 at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.

Augustine Eguavoen’s team struggled to hit the target in the first half, while Comoros were comfortable sitting deep, but all of their good work was undone in the second half.

Michelle Alozie broke the deadlock in the 48th minute, three minutes after the restart, finding the perfect position to tap home after a brilliant exchange of quick, intricate passes by the 10-time African Champions in the Comoros box.

Nigeria doubled the lead on the hour mark. Jennifer Echegini’s cross found Uchenna Kanu in the box, and the Cruz Azul forward headed home to make it two.

Comoros 0-2 Super Falcons – Player ratings

1. Chiamaka Nnadozie – 7/10

The Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper wasn’t troubled at all by the Comoros attackers. Her distribution and command of the box weren’t found wanting either.

2. Michelle Alozie – 8/10

Many would agree that the Chicago Stars defender deserves the Player of the Match Award. With the Nigerian attackers struggling to find the back of the net, she stepped up to break the cushion and came close to scoring another, but for the Comoros goalkeeper.

Defensively, the 29-year-old was adept. She stood her ground and barely got dribbled past by a Comoros side that barely threatened.

3. Glory Ogbonna – 6.5/10

The Besiktas defender stepped into the heart of the defence after Blessing Demehin pulled out of Nigeria’s squad due to residency issues, alongside the retirement of Osinachi Ohale.

She didn’t put a foot wrong. Her passing was decent, and she kept her composure alongside the vibrant Shukurat Oladipo.

4. Shukurat Oladipo – 6.8/10

In the absence of Demehin and Ohale, the defensive leadership responsibility fell on the AS Roma defender, and she did her job against Comoros.

She kept things tidy, screamed at her teammates when necessary, but most of all, helped the Super Falcons to a clean sheet ahead of the second leg.

5. Joy Igbokwe – 6.7/10

The Nasarawa Amazons captain was brilliant on her debut for the Super Falcons, providing width down the left for Uchenna Kanu, and remaining sturdy at the back.

With Plumptre out due to an injury, Igbokwe made sure the Al-Ittihad defender wasn’t missed with her performance on the night.

6. Christy Ucheibe – 6.5/10

The Al-Hilal defensive midfielder didn’t have a spectacular performance, but she didn’t do a lot wrong either. She was taken off towards the end of the game as she began to tire.

7. Jennifer Echegini – 7.5/10

Echegini is a player in form. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder was in charge of everything going forward for the Super Falcons.

She linked up play, controlled the tempo, and her set-piece deliveries were astute, as she provided the assist for Uchenna Kanu’s header.

8. Toni Payne – 6.9/10

A true number 10, the Inter Milan attacking midfielder was in the small pockets of space in Nigeria’s attack, helping Eguavoen’s side break down Comoros before the eventual opener came.

9. Uchenna Kanu – 7.5/10

Kanu combined very well with Igbokwe on the left-hand side, but what stood out the most about the Cruz Azul forward was her deft touch and her quick feet.

She showed a range of skills on the wing, and had several attempts on goal. It was only fair that Nigeria’s second goal fell to her in a comfortable space in Comoros box.

10. Rasheedat Ajibade – 7.2/10

The Super Falcons captain embodied true leadership in the first half. She led by her performance, constantly probing on the right side of the Comoros defenders, so much so that she hit the crossbar.

She’d have to improve her deliveries into the box against better opposition, but other than that, she had a very good game.

11. Gift Monday – 6.3/10

Brought in for Asisat Oshoala, who pulled out for personal reasons, Gift Monday struggled to impose herself against the physical Comoros centre-backs.

She also found chances harder to come by and when the game opened up, she was taken off. The 24-year-old will be looking to get on the scoresheet next Tuesday.