Concern For Nigeria As Rasheedat Ajibade Suffers Injury In Super Falcons 5-0 Victory

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has been taken to hospital for an MRI scan after sustaining an injury during Nigeria’s 5-0 victory over Comoros in the second leg of their second-round qualifiers for the 2028 Olympic Games.

Ajibade suffered a collision in the first half of Tuesday’s encounter at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, raising concerns over her availability for Nigeria’s upcoming fixtures. Folashade Ijamilusi replaced the injured captain.

Despite losing their skipper early in the match, Nigeria delivered an emphatic performance to secure a 7-0 aggregate victory and progress to the third round of the qualifying campaign. The Super Falcons had won the first leg 2-0.

Toni Payne opened the scoring before Uchenna Kanu struck twice in the second half. Payne subsequently completed her brace, while Christy Ucheibe converted a penalty to complete the 5-0 victory.

Second-half substitute Blessing Okpe also made a significant contribution, providing the assist for Payne’s second goal and winning the penalty that Ucheibe converted.

Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen expressed hope that Ajibade’s injury was not serious, while commending the team for its performance despite the setback.

He said the early loss of the captain was unfortunate but expressed optimism and prayed that the injury would prove minor.

Eguavoen also disclosed that the team had moved on from its disappointment at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and had shifted its attention to securing qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The coach acknowledged that Nigeria could face more difficult opponents in the subsequent rounds but expressed confidence in the squad’s quality, depth and support.

The Super Falcons will face Morocco in the third round as they continue their quest to qualify for the Olympic Games.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Nigeria’s convincing victory over Comoros has strengthened the team’s Olympic qualification hopes, although Ajibade’s medical assessment will be closely watched as the squad prepares for its next challenge.