Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade is scheduled to undergo ankle surgery in France on Friday, October 16, following an injury that could keep her out of action for the remainder of 2026. The 27-year-old forward is set to undergo the procedure after sustaining the injury during Nigeria’s 5-0 victory over…...
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade is scheduled to undergo ankle surgery in France on Friday, October 16, following an injury that could keep her out of action for the remainder of 2026.
The 27-year-old forward is set to undergo the procedure after sustaining the injury during Nigeria’s 5-0 victory over Comoros in the second leg of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifiers.
Ajibade suffered the injury in the 23rd minute of Tuesday’s encounter at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, and was stretchered off the pitch after receiving treatment.
Her exit forced a change in Nigeria’s attacking setup, with Folashade Ijamilusi introduced as her replacement.
The Super Falcons eventually secured a 7-0 aggregate victory to advance to the next round of the Olympic qualifying campaign. However, the injury to their captain has raised concerns about her availability for upcoming engagements.
The planned operation in France is the next step in the treatment of Ajibade’s ankle injury, with the forward facing an extended period of recovery.
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Super Falcons interim coach Augustine Eguavoen disclosed after Tuesday’s match that Ajibade had been taken to the hospital for an MRI scan to determine the extent of the injury.
The assessment has been followed by plans for further medical intervention, with surgery scheduled for Friday.
Although the exact duration of her rehabilitation will depend on her recovery after the procedure as Ajibade could miss the remainder of the year.
Ajibade is one of the key figures in the Nigerian women’s national team, contributing attacking quality, work rate and leadership.
Her potential absence for the rest of 2026 would be a setback for the Super Falcons as she prepares to undergo surgery and begin rehabilitation.
The immediate focus will be on the successful completion of the procedure and a carefully managed recovery programme to help the forward regain full fitness before returning to competitive football.