LA 2028 Olympics Qualifier: Ajibade Joins Super Falcons Camp as 26 Prepare for Comoros Clash
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has joined Nigeria’s camp in Ikenne-Remo as preparations intensify for Friday’s first-leg 2028 Olympic qualifying clash against Comoros.
Ajibade was among seven players who arrived in camp as the number of players in camp rose to 21, with head coach Justin Madugu stepping up preparations for the crucial encounter.
The captain was joined by defender Michelle Alozie, midfielders Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne and Jennifer Echegini, as well as forwards Folashade Ijamilusi and Janet Akekoromowei.
Goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie and Comfort Erhabor, alongside forwards Gift Monday, Joy Omewa and Uchenna Kanu, had arrived in camp on Tuesday evening.
Nigeria will host Comoros at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on Friday after the fixture was moved from Comoros. Kick-off is scheduled for 6pm Nigerian time.
The Super Falcons continued their preparations with another training session on Monday as Madugu worked with the early arrivals, including Christiana Uzoma, Farida Abdulwahab, Sandra John, Tumininu Adeshina, Valentina Uroko, Glory Edet, Shukurat Oladipo, Glory Ogbonna, Favour Omenazu, Joy Igbokwe, Fatimoh Solaty and Suliat Abideen.
The arrival of several key players, including captain Ajibade, further strengthens Nigeria’s squad ahead of the important Olympic qualifying tie.
Rwandan Referee to Handle Ikenne Clash
The Confederation of African Football has appointed Rwandan official Henriette Byukusenge as the centre referee for Friday’s encounter.
Byukusenge will be assisted by compatriots Sandrine Murangwa and Regine Mukayiranga, while Aline Umutoni has been appointed fourth official.
Namibia’s Fransiska Katjaimo will serve as referee assessor, with Burkina Faso’s Oumou Sy appointed match commissioner.
Comoros Arrive in Nigeria
The Comoros women’s national team arrived in Ijebu-Ode on Monday night and were scheduled to hold their first training session in Ikenne-Remo on Tuesday evening.
The visitors will be aiming to frustrate the African champions as they seek a positive result from the first leg before the return fixture.
For Nigeria, the objective is clear: make home advantage count and establish a strong first-leg advantage in the race for a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The reigning African champions will be expected to draw on their experience and quality when they take on Comoros in Ikenne, with Ajibade’s return providing another major boost to Madugu’s preparations.
