Super Falcons Captain Ajibade Gives Injury Update, Says Focus Is On Recovery
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has broken her silence after sustaining an injury during Nigeria’s 2028 Olympic Games qualifier against Comoros.
In a personal statement released on Thursday, the Paris Saint-Germain forward said she was grateful and in high spirits as medical assessments continue.
“Another international break has come to an end, and I am grateful. It is an honour to lead this group of women. I am proud of how our team began its road to the Olympics, and of the unity, discipline, and fight each player brought to the national team,” Ajibade wrote.
“I also want to address the incident that happened to me during the 2nd leg against Comoros. Scans and medical consultations are ongoing and more updates will be shared when available. At the moment, I am doing okay and my spirits are high.”
The captain sustained a right ankle injury in the 23rd minute of Nigeria’s 5-0 win over Comoros in the second leg at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne on Tuesday. She went down after a collision with Comoros defender Diore Miriame Kaina Said and was stretchered off, with Folashade Ijamilusi coming on as her replacement.
The win sealed a 7-0 aggregate victory for Nigeria, who advance to the third round of the CAF Women’s Olympic qualifiers where they will face Morocco.
According to the Nigeria Football Federation, an MRI scan revealed a fracture in her right ankle. NFF Head of Communications Ademola Olajire said the 27-year-old is scheduled to undergo surgery in Paris on Friday, October 16, and will be monitored jointly by the NFF and PSG medical teams.
Reports indicate the injury could keep her out for at least three months, ruling her out of PSG’s UEFA Women’s Champions League fixtures and Nigeria’s November internationals.
Ajibade thanked teammates, family, technical and medical staff and fans for their support.
“To everyone who reached out with messages, prayers and kind words, thank you from the bottom of my heart. To my teammates, family, our technical and medical staff, and our fans: I felt every bit of your love and support.”
“For now, my focus is on recovery and returning stronger for club and country,” she added.
