Super Falcons: 5 big takeaways from Nigeria’s 5-0 thrashing of Comoros

Nigeria's Super Falcons secured a commanding 5-0 victory over Comoros on Tuesday to seal a 7-0 aggregate win to reach the third round of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifiers.

Toni Payne scored twice, while Uchenna Kanu also grabbed a brace before Christy Ucheibe completed the rout from the penalty spot.

The performance offered interim coach Augustine Eguavoen several reasons for optimism ahead of a tougher test against Morocco.

Here are five major takeaways from Nigeria's victory.

Super Falcons' takeaways vs Comoros

1. Super Falcons' defence gets their groove back

The Super Falcons' defence was not breached in both legs of their clash with Comoros. Those are the team's first consecutive clean sheets since the group stage of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

Although Comoros offered limited attacking threat, they had thrashed Sudan 30-0 on aggregate in the first qualifying round.

The Super Falcons‘ defensive display was particularly encouraging because Eguavoen trusted a new centre-back pairing of Shukurat Oladipo and Christy Ucheibe.

Both defenders looked composed, mobile and complementary, showing an encouraging understanding of their responsibilities.

Morocco will provide a much sterner examination, but Nigeria's defensive organisation offers a solid foundation.

2. Michelle Alozie reminds Nigeria of her quality

Alozie was arguably Nigeria's standout performer across the two legs against Comoros.

The full-back covered the right flank tirelessly, combining defensive discipline with dangerous forward runs and an impressive work rate.

After a difficult showing at the 2024 WAFCON, these performances should restore confidence in her ability to influence games at both ends of the pitch.

Her contribution will be important when Nigeria face Morocco.

Toni Payne and rookie Joy Igbokwe can also be proud of their displays on Tuesday evening.

3. Is Uchenna Kanu Nigeria's next great goalscorer?

The Super Falcons have a healthy history of outstanding goalscorers, from Mercy Akide and Perpetua Nkwocha to Asisat Oshoala.

With Oshoala approaching the later stages of her career, the Super Falcons will eventually need another reliable source of goals.

Kanu strengthened her case against Comoros, scoring three times across two games and creating several other dangerous moments.

Strong, mobile and comfortable operating both centrally and from wider positions, the forward possesses the qualities to lead Nigeria's attack.

The challenge now is to maintain that form against stronger opposition.

4. Ijamilusi and Okpe impressed with energy and industry

Folashade Ijamilusi and Blessing Okpe delivered outstanding performances after coming off the bench.

Both players registered two assists, while Okpe also won the penalty converted by Ucheibe.

Their pace, direct running and creativity transformed Nigeria's second-half performance.

Having operated on the fringes of the senior team, the pair have given Eguavoen fresh attacking options.

5. Morocco provide the real test

Nigeria's next opponents are Morocco, who have progressed to the third round after the Republic of Congo withdrew from their second-round tie.

The Atlas Lionesses represent a considerably tougher challenge than Comoros, with a place in the next stage of the Olympic qualifying campaign at stake.

Nigeria can draw confidence from winning their last meeting with Morocco, a 3-2 victory in the final of the 2024 WAFCON.