Super Falcons 5-0 Comoros: Kanu, Payne sparkle, Ucheibe firm – Player ratings

The Super Falcons claimed an impressive 5-0 victory over Comoros in their second game of the 2028 Olympics qualifiers at the Remo Stadium in Ikenne on Tuesday.

Going into the game, they had a two-goal cushion from the first leg, so they just needed to avoid a defeat to be sure of making it to the next round. Indeed it look like they were only playing to avoid a defeat in the opening embers of the game, but they soon raised the ante.

Toni Payne and Uchenna Kanu both scored twice, while Christy Ucheibe converted a penalty to complete the rout. That ensured that Nigeria advanced to the third qualifying round with a commanding 7-0 aggregate victory and will face Morocco next.

In this article, Afrik-Foot rates the performances of the players who did the business for the Super Falcons on the night.

Super Falcons 5-0 Comoros – Player Ratings

Chiamaka Nnadozie – 7/10: Nnadozie recorded another clean sheet as Nigeria completed the tie without conceding a goal. Comoros struggled to put the Brighton goalkeeper under sustained pressure, but she just did her primary responsibility and helped the Falcons maintain their defensive solidity across both legs.

Michelle Alozie – 7/10: Alozie had already scored in the first leg and remained an important part of Nigeria’s defensive structure.

Although today, it was the attackers who took centre stage in the return fixture, her ability to contribute on both sides of the ball helped the Falcons maintain control. She always brings energy to the pitch, and that was good to see again today.

Glory Ogbonna – 7/10: Ogbonna helped the Super Falcons keep a clean sheet. In fairness, she did not actually have a lot to do today, but the little she did, she did well. Her composure allowed the more advanced players to commit bodies forward.

Christy Ucheibe – 8/10

Ucheibe combined defensive responsibility with a goal. She helped Nigeria maintain their structure at the back before stepping up to convert the 71st-minute penalty won by Okpe.

Her goal was the final blow in an increasingly one-sided contest. Ucheibe has done well for the Super Falcons. She has played as a makeshift center-back in both games, but she has maintained her cool and connected well with the other defenders. Proper leadership stuff from her.

Shukurat Oladipo – 7/10: Oladipo helped maintain the defensive organisation. She is slowly becoming one of the more trustworthy players in the team. She was calm at the back whenever the Comoros side pushed forward and she ball distribution was good.

Joy Igbokwe – 7/10: Igbokwe continued her encouraging introduction to senior international football. The young midfielder contributed to Nigeria’s control of possession, albeit she benefited from the fact that the Super Falcons were not put under a lot of pressure. She did struggle to get a grip on the game early on, but she adjusted as the game went on.

Jennifer Echegini – 7.5/10

Echegini provided technical quality in midfield, helping Nigeria connect their possession with the forward line. She could have easily gotten an assist or two in the game, but Uchenna Kanu who was one of the recipients of her pass decided to miss an empty net. Nevertheless, it was a good game from the PSG midfielder.

Toni Payne – 9/10: Payne was one of Nigeria’s standout performers, scoring twice to help turn the tide strongly in Nigeria’s favour.

She opened the scoring in the 41st minute after Kanu intercepted a defensive error and squared the ball into her path. Payne then doubled her tally in the 63rd minute, finishing after Okpe beat two defenders and cut the ball back.

The Inter Milan midfielder showed composure in front of goal and an ability to arrive in dangerous positions. She could have even gotten an assist if Gift Monday had been more clinical in front of goal.

It was one of Payne’s best games for the Super Falcons.

Rasheedat Ajibade – 6/10: Ajibade’s evening ended prematurely after she suffered an injury in the 28th minute and had to be carried off. Folashade Ijamilusi replaced the captain, who was unable to contribute to the attacking surge that followed.

In her short time on the pitch, she actually looked lively and was able to dribble her way into dangerous areas at times..

Gift Monday – 6/10: Monday had an early opportunity to put Nigeria ahead but failed to round the Comoros goalkeeper successfully. She continued to work against the visitors’ defence, but she was not just potent enough. Monday was easily the poorest player on the pitch for the Super Falcons

Eguavoen replaced her with Blessing Okpe at the break.

Uchenna Kanu – 9/10

Kanu was outstanding, scoring twice and setting up Payne’s opener to take centre stage in Nigeria’s victory.

Her contribution began in the 41st minute when she capitalised on a defensive mistake and unselfishly squared the ball for Payne to finish. She then headed home Ijamilusi’s cross in the 58th minute before adding another header three minutes later, although that effort was ruled out for offside.

Kanu eventually secured her brace in the 66th minute, again meeting an Ijamilusi delivery. Her movement, aerial ability and willingness to create for teammates made her a constant threat.

After scoring in the first leg, the forward finished the double-header with three goals.

Super Falcons substitutes

Folashade Ijamilusi – 9/10

Ijamilusi transformed Nigeria’s attacking performance after replacing the injured Ajibade. She delivered the cross for Kanu’s first goal and supplied another excellent delivery for the striker’s second.

Her movement and quality from wide areas gave Comoros problems that they struggled to solve. Two assists in a 5-0 victory made her one of the most influential players on the pitch.

Blessing Okpe – 8.5/10

Okpe made an immediate impact after replacing Monday at half-time. Her driving run past two Comoros defenders created the opportunity for Payne’s second goal, while her direct approach gave Nigeria a different attacking dimension.

She then won the penalty that Ucheibe converted to make it 5-0. Her pace, dribbling and ability to attack defenders helped Nigeria pull away. She affected the game very well.