Super Falcons name Eguavoen-led technical, backroom crew for Comoros Olympic qualifier

The Super Falcons have named Augustine Eguavoen and a new-look technical and backroom team for their 2028 Olympic qualifying showdown against Comoros.

Eguavoen has been appointed interim head coach for the crucial second-round tie, with Christopher Danjuma and Ayisat Yusuf joining him as assistant coaches.

Olatunji Baruwa will take responsibility for the goalkeepers as Nigeria begin preparations for a tie that could move them one step closer to securing a place at the 2028 Olympic Games.

The coaching structure has been complemented by a wider support team tasked with handling the administrative, medical, analytical and welfare needs of the squad.

Oboduku Mary Bose has been named team administrator, while Garba Larai Hyedima will serve as team doctor. Nwachukwu Adaku and Onah Melody Chimkwesiri have been appointed as physiotherapists.

Dr Terry Eguaoje will work as the team analyst, with Ann Okoro taking charge as safeguarding officer. Falokun Folashade Elizabeth has been named coordinator.

The appointments come as Nigeria prepare for a decisive two-legged encounter against Comoros, with the first meeting scheduled for Friday, October 9.

Both legs to be played in Ikenne-Remo

Despite being designated as the home team for the opening fixture, Comoros will not host Nigeria in the first leg because they do not have a venue that meets Confederation of African Football requirements.

As a result, both matches will be staged at the Remo Stars Sports Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, giving the Super Falcons a familiar setting for the two encounters.

The first leg will take place on Friday before Nigeria return to action four days later for the reverse fixture on Tuesday, October 13.

The unusual arrangement means Nigeria will have home conditions for both matches, although the Super Falcons will still need to negotiate the tie carefully over the two legs.

Super Falcons target third round

Nigeria’s immediate objective is to secure progression to the third round of the Olympic qualifying competition by finishing the tie ahead of Comoros on aggregate.

The Super Falcons will therefore be looking to establish an advantage in the opening fixture before completing the job in the return leg.

Eguavoen’s interim appointment adds another layer of interest to the contest, with the former Nigeria international now tasked with guiding the women’s national team through an important stage of their Olympic qualification campaign.

With the two fixtures taking place at the same venue, the Super Falcons will have an opportunity to maximise their familiarity with the pitch and surroundings while avoiding the complications of travelling between countries for the second leg.

However, Comoros will be determined to make the unusual circumstances count and challenge Nigeria’s hopes of advancing.

The aggregate winner will book a place in the third round, leaving the Super Falcons needing a strong two-legged performance to keep their Olympic qualification ambitions on course.