Six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala and defender Ashleigh Plumptre are among the Super Falcons absentees for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics qualifying clash against Comoros, www.aclsports.com reports.
Oshoala has been excused from the squad at her request, while Plumptre is out with a sprain and ligament injury that saw her miss Al-Ittihad’s last league game against Al-Taraji. New Benfica signings Oluwatosin Demehin and Flourish Sabastine will also miss the qualifiers due to resident permit matters.
Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Favour Nkwocha have meanwhile returned to the Flamingos ahead of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, while interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen has called up Belarus-based forward Blessing Okpe as Oshoala’s replacement.
The first training session took place at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu Ode on Monday, with 14 players present.
Christiana Uzoma was the only goalkeeper in camp, with Farida Abdulwahab, Tumininu Adeshina, Valentina Uroko, Glory Edet, Shukurat Oladipo, Glory Ogbonna, Oluchi Omenazu, Joy Igbokwe, Fatimoh Solaty, Suliat Abideen, Shakirat Moshood, Blessing Nkor and Sandra John also taking part in the session.
More players are expected to join the squad, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Jennifer Echegini, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Michelle Alozie, Comfort Erhabor, Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne, Gift Monday, Joy Omewa, Janet Akekoromowei and Uchenna Kanu among those expected in camp.
Both legs against Comoros will be played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, with the first leg on Friday, 9 October, and the return fixture on Tuesday, 13 October.
