Rasheedat Ajibade injury blow hits Super Falcons

The injury has cast a shadow over Nigeria’s emphatic progression to the next qualifying round, raising concerns about Ajibade’s availability for PSG’s domestic and European fixtures and the Super Falcons’ preparations for their upcoming international assignments.

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According to ESPN, the 26-year-old sustained the injury during the first half after a collision with Comoros defender Diore Miriame Kaina Said.

Ajibade landed heavily on her right foot and was unable to continue, leaving the pitch on a stretcher before being replaced by Folashade Ijamilusi.

An MRI scan subsequently confirmed the fracture, according to Ademola Olajire, head of communications at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The forward was assessed by a surgeon before arrangements were made for further treatment in Paris.

“The MRI showed that she suffered a fracture on her ankle and she saw a surgeon here immediately after,” Olajire told ESPN.

“But because of her flight back to Paris, she couldn’t wait and I spoke to our team doctor and we understand she’ll be having surgery on Friday in Paris.”

The anticipated operation is expected to provide a clearer picture of the severity of the injury and the rehabilitation required.

While initial reports suggest Ajibade could be out for at least three months, her eventual return will depend on the outcome of surgery, medical assessments and her progress through rehabilitation.

Ajibade has sought to reassure supporters despite the setback, thanking them for their messages and expressing confidence in her recovery.

“I’m fine and doing well. I’ll be back stronger, for good and for God’s greater glory,” she wrote in a message shared on her WhatsApp status.

She added that she had seen the messages of support, apologising for being unable to respond to everyone immediately and promising to get back to them once she had settled in.

The injury is a significant concern for PSG, who signed Ajibade from Atlético de Madrid in August 2025 on a contract running until 30 June 2027.

The Nigerian forward joined the French club after an impressive spell in Spain, where she established herself as one of the leading players in women’s football.

Her absence could disrupt PSG’s plans during a demanding period of the season, although the precise number of matches she will miss cannot be determined until her recovery timeline is established.

For Nigeria, the concern extends beyond the immediate qualifying campaign.

Ajibade is a central figure in the Super Falcons’ attack and leadership group, having captained the national team to its record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in 2025.

Her potential absence from Nigeria’s November international fixtures would deprive the team of an experienced forward as preparations continue for the next stage of the Olympic qualifying campaign.

The Super Falcons are scheduled to face Morocco in a two-legged third-round encounter in March 2027.

Whether Ajibade will be available for those matches will depend on her recovery and subsequent assessment by PSG’s medical team.

Despite the captain’s injury, Nigeria delivered an emphatic performance against Comoros to complete a 7-0 aggregate victory and advance in the race for a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Toni Payne and Uchenna Kanu scored twice each in the second leg, while Christy Ucheibe converted a penalty to complete the 5-0 win.

Nigeria had entered the return fixture with a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, giving the Super Falcons a commanding aggregate result.

The result sets up a demanding encounter with Morocco, who will provide a sterner test as Nigeria seek to return to the Olympic stage.

The Super Falcons ended a 16-year absence from the Games by qualifying for Paris 2024.

Their pursuit of another appearance at the Olympics now continues alongside the uncertainty surrounding one of their most influential players.

Ajibade’s injury therefore presents a difficult contrast: Nigeria have progressed convincingly in the qualifying competition, but the victory has come at a potentially significant cost.

For now, attention will turn to the outcome of the surgery in Paris and the rehabilitation plan that follows.

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Until her medical team provides a clearer prognosis, both PSG and Nigeria must prepare for the possibility of an extended absence while hoping their captain can return to action safely and at full strength.