Rasheedat Ajibade faces at least three months on the sidelines after fracturing her right ankle during Nigeria’s 5-0 victory over Comoros in the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers, with surgery scheduled in Paris on Friday.
The Super Falcons captain suffered the injury in the first half of Tuesday’s second leg encounter at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, following 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.
According to ESPN, an MRI scan confirmed the fracture, with Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) head of communications Ademola Olajire confirming that the forward had been examined by a surgeon shortly after the match.
“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.”
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Olajire said further information about the severity of the injury and Ajibade’s recovery would be available after surgery and an assessment by Paris Saint-Germain’s medical team.
The setback threatens to disrupt the 26-year-old’s first full season with PSG, whom she joined from Atletico Madrid in 2025 on a contract running until June 2027.
She could miss several UEFA Women’s Champions League matches, as well as Nigeria’s November international fixtures.
Her recovery timeline could also become a concern for the Super Falcons ahead of their third-round Olympic qualifier against Morocco, scheduled for March 2027.
The injury has come at a particularly frustrating moment for Ajibade, who captained Nigeria to a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in 2025 and remains one of the team’s most experienced players.
Despite the setback, the forward sought to reassure supporters that she remained positive about 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 on her WhatsApp status.
“Thank you so much for all your calls and messages. I’m sorry I can’t reply to everyone right now, but once I settle in, I’ll get back to each of you.
“I see all your messages, your love and your kind wishes. Thank you, thank you, thank you! God bless you all.”
Ajibade’s injury overshadowed Nigeria’s emphatic victory, which secured a 7-0 aggregate win and passage into the third round of the 2028 Olympic qualifiers.
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Toni Payne and Uchenna Kanu each scored twice, while Christy Ucheibe converted a penalty as the Super Falcons produced a four-goal second half surge to complete the rout. Nigeria had taken a 2-0 advantage from the first leg.
The Super Falcons will now face Morocco in a two-legged encounter scheduled for March 2027 as they pursue a second consecutive Olympic appearance, having ended a 16-year absence by reaching the Paris 2024 tournament.
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