Nigeria’s Olympic bid hit by key Super Falcons withdrawals as Oshoala, Plumptre, missing
Nigeria’s Super Falcons will face Comoros without several key players, including Asisat Oshoala and Ashleigh Plumptre, as Augustine Eguavoen reshapes his squad for the opening stage of the 2028 Olympic qualifying campaign.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been forced to make several changes to their squad ahead of their 2028 Olympic qualifying tie against Comoros, with Asisat Oshoala and Ashleigh Plumptre among the notable absentees.
The pair were initially included in interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen’s 28-player squad but will now miss the two-legged encounter. Plumptre has been ruled out with a ligament injury, while Oshoala asked to be excused from the assignment.
The withdrawals come at an important stage for Nigeria, who are seeking successive Olympic appearances after ending a 16-year absence by qualifying for Paris 2024.
More players unavailable
The Super Falcons have also lost Benfica defender Oluwatosin Demehin and forward Flourish Sabastine, with both players unavailable because of residency permit issues in Portugal.
Eguavoen has responded by bringing in replacements, including Belarus-based forward Blessing Okpe and Favour Omenazu, the MK Dons Women captain receiving her first senior call-up.
Omenazu’s promotion provides an opportunity for a new face to make an impression at international level, while Okpe returns to the national-team setup after previously representing Nigeria at youth level.
The reshuffling has also opened the door for younger players. Several members of the recent Falconets squad were included in the original selection, reflecting Nigeria’s effort to introduce emerging talent into the senior team.
Comoros tie approaches
Nigeria’s preparations have been complicated by the withdrawals, although the squad has continued to build towards Friday’s first leg.
Both matches will be played at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne because Comoros does not have a CAF-approved venue for international fixtures. The first leg is scheduled for October 9, with the return match four days later.
Nigeria received a bye into the second round, while Comoros advanced after an emphatic 30-0 aggregate victory over Sudan.
The Super Falcons must progress through four qualifying rounds to secure one of Africa’s two places at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
With Oshoala and Plumptre unavailable and several other players facing different obstacles, Eguavoen will now have to find the right balance between experience and emerging talent as Nigeria begin another attempt to reach the Olympic stage.
