Super Falcons 5-0 Comoros: Player ratings

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have qualified for the third round of the CAF qualification journey for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, defeating Comoros 7-0 on aggregate at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.

Augustine Eguavoen’s team struggled to hit the target in the first half of the first leg that they won 2-0, and the same feat nearly repeated itself today before Toni Payne broke the deadlock in the 41st minute with a brilliant curler.

The Super Falcons doubled their lead in the 58th minute through Uchenna Kanu, who headed home from Florence Ijamilusi’s cross.

Toni Payne and Kanu would add a goal each to their count before Christy Ucheibe scored Nigeria’s fifth goal from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute.

Super Falcons 5-0 Comoros – Player ratings

1. Chiamaka Nnadozie – 7/10

The Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper was called into action just once when Comoros were awarded a free-kick, and she was up to the task.

As always, her distribution and command of the box weren’t found wanting either.

2. Michelle Alozie – 6.8/10

The Chicago Stars defender was solid at the back and honestly didn’t have much to deal with, considering Comoros offered very little threat going forward.

She spent most of the time in the opposition half, making runs into the box and contributing in the final third, but was unable to claim a goal or an assist.

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 in the first leg, and continued the same feat this evening. 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 across both legs.

5. Joy Igbokwe – 6.9/10

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

She continued the same vein of form tonight, even showing more of her attacking range with shots from outside the box. With Ashleigh Plumptre injured, Igbokwe is doing everything to make the role hers.

6. Christy Ucheibe – 7/10

The Al-Hilal defensive midfielder bossed things in the middle of the park, leaving Comors with nothing to breathe. She completed her solid performance with a spot-kick goal later in the game.

7. Jennifer Echegini – 7.2/10

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 line-breaking passes were mesmerising to say the least. She’s a very brilliant player.

8. Toni Payne – 8.5/10

A true number 10, the Inter Milan attacking midfielder was in the small pockets of space in Nigeria’s attack, but this time, she was at the end of chances rather than creating them.

She was in the right place at the right time for the opener before sending a curler into the bottom corner, and the same repeated itself for the second goal, but the goalkeeper punched the ball in for that.

9. Uchenna Kanu – 8.6/10

Kanu combined very well with Igbokwe on the left-hand side, but was unlucky to not have scored a hat-trick.

The Cruz Azul striker scored two brilliant headers, both crosses coming from Florence Ijamilusi. She could’ve scored a few more if she’d been very prolific, but it wasn’t meant to be.

10. Rasheedat Ajibade – 6/10

The Super Falcons captain started the game in good standing before she suffered an injury that saw her stretchered off in the 23rd minute.

Nigerian football fans will be hoping the 26-year-old isn’t in too much pain and can return to the pitch in time, as she was in tears when she went off the pitch holding her ankle.

11. Gift Monday – 6.5/10

The 24-year-old had a better outing today than she did in the first leg against Comoros, but couldn’t find the back of the net, although she was involved in the build-up several times, showing other sides of her game.

Substitutes

Florence Ijamilusi – 7.5/10

The Liaoning Baiye forward made sure Ajibade’s absence wasn’t felt when she came off the bench. Her deliveries were pinpoint, as she provided two assists for Uchenna Kanu.