The encounter marks the start of another Olympic qualification campaign for Nigeria, with the team aiming to secure an advantage ahead of the return leg scheduled for 13 October.
Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen said the players had settled into camp and were preparing for a competitive performance across both legs.
“Everyone has settled in well in camp as we have a full house now, and our focus is to present a strong and competitive squad for the two matches,” he said.
Comoros head into the tie on the back of an emphatic performance in the first qualifying round, where they defeated Sudan 30-0 on aggregate. They recorded a 17-0 victory in the first leg before completing the rout with a 13-0 win in the return fixture.
Despite those results, the Comorans face a tougher challenge against Nigeria, one of Africa’s most established women’s football teams.
The Super Falcons received a bye into the second round, while Comoros progressed through the opening stage. Nigeria will now seek to make its experience count and build a healthy advantage before the second encounter.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade is expected to lead the Nigerian side, which also includes established internationals such as goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Michelle Alozie, Toni Payne, Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini.
Both legs of the tie will be played in Nigeria, despite Comoros being designated as the home side for Friday’s fixture. The match was moved to Remo Stars Stadium because Comoros does not have a venue approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for the encounter.
Playing on familiar ground could offer Nigeria an advantage, but the Falcons will need to translate that familiarity into a positive result.
With qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles as their ultimate objective, Nigeria will be keen to establish control of the tie from the opening leg and avoid leaving too much to chance in the return fixture.
A strong performance in Ikenne would put the Falcons in a favourable position as they continue their bid to return to the Olympic football tournament.
