Comoros head coach Yusuf Abdallah says his team can produce a major upset by knocking Nigeria out of the qualifying race for the 2028 Olympic Games.
The two sides meet in the first leg of their second-round qualifying tie on Friday, with Comoros hosting the Super Falcons at their makeshift home ground in Ikenne.
Comoros reached this stage after completing a 30-0 aggregate victory over Sudan in the previous round. They now face a Nigeria side with considerably greater experience and pedigree in women’s football.
Abdallah recognises the scale of the challenge but says his players are prepared for the occasion and understand what is at stake.
“It is already an honour to face a team with so much experience and such a high level of quality. We are aware of the challenge that lies ahead and how difficult it will be to overcome it,” he said.
The Comoros coach believes his side must remain disciplined and take advantage of every opportunity against one of Africa’s leading teams.
He also pointed to the uncertainty inherent in football, insisting that the result cannot be decided before the match has been played.
“We are here to play a serious match and give ourselves the best possible chance by making the most of our opportunities. As you know, in football, a match is never won until it has been played,” Abdallah stated.
The first leg is regarded as an important test for both teams as they continue their campaigns for a place at the 2028 Olympic Games.
Although Abdallah admitted that defeat would be disappointing, he insisted that Comoros would not approach the contest with a negative mindset.
“It is an important match for everyone, both Nigeria and Comoros. Of course, if we lose, we will be disappointed, but we are not thinking about defeat.
“We have come here to play a serious match, and we will do everything possible to ensure that the result goes in our favour.”
Nigeria’s quality and experience make the Super Falcons strong favourites on paper, but Abdallah is confident his players can make the most of their opportunity and secure a favourable result before the tie is decided.