Nigeria to face Morocco after Comoros hurdle as Congo withdraw from 2028 Olympic qualifiers

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will face Morocco in the third round of the African qualifiers for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

That is if the ten-time African champions overcome Comoros over two legs in Ikenne Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.

The development comes following the withdrawal of the Republic of the Congo from the qualifying series.

The third-round schedule had pitted the winners of the Nigeria vs Comoros clash with the victors of the face-off between Morocco and the Republic of the Congo.

However, Morocco did not have to kick a ball against their opponents to advance beyond the second round. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation confirmed this week that FIFA had notified it of the Atlas Lionesses’ progression after the Congolese Football Federation withdrew its women’s team from the qualifying campaign.

Nigeria: Super Falcons learn next opponent

Former African champions Nigeria now have a clearer picture of the challenge awaiting them beyond their two-legged encounter with Comoros.

The Super Falcons will host both matches against Comoros at the Remo Stars Stadium with the first slated for October 9, which kicks off shortly, while the return fixture comes up four days later. Comoros are playing both games in Nigeria because they lack a suitable stadium for the qualifiers.

Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen’s side must win the tie on aggregate to set up a meeting with Morocco between February 23 and March 6, 2027. The Super Falcons received a bye into the second round, while Comoros secured their place by defeating Sudan 30-0 on aggregate in the preliminary stage.

Still, the Super Falcons will be heavy favourites to brush aside the Comorese over two legs and set up a mouthwatering battle with Morocco.

The last time Nigeria faced the Atlas Lionesses was in the final of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Playing as hosts, Morocco raced to a two-goal lead but the Super Falcons fought back bravely to score three second-half goals and secure their historic 10th continental title.

In the meantime, Nigeria are pursuing a return to the Olympic women’s football tournament after competing at Paris 2024.

However, the Super Falcons face a demanding qualifying campaign, with four knockout rounds standing between them and one of the two places allocated to Africa at Los Angeles 2028.