Nigeria’s Paris 2024 Hopes Dashed as Key Midfielder Benched by Injury

Nigerian Midfielder Halimat Ayinde, an integral member of the team, will be absent from the upcoming tournament due to a knee injury. Just one day after the Super Falcons squad for the 2024 Olympics in Paris was officially announced, Halimat Ayinde, a key player, has been ruled out due to injury.
Ayinde, who plays for Swedish club Rosengård, sustained the injury during a training session. The club confirmed her absence from the Olympics, stating, “Halimat Ayinde injured her knee during training and will miss the Olympics. We wish her a speedy recovery.

“This setback is significant for the Super Falcons, as Ayinde has faced several injury challenges recently, causing her to miss important matches for both club and country.
In response to the news, Ayinde expressed her disappointment, saying, “With a heavy heart, I announce I won’t be part of the Super Falcons for the Olympics. I’m deeply grateful to FC Rosengård and my teammates for their support and love. Best of luck to my fellow Super Falcons. I’ll be cheering for you and will return stronger. Go Super Falcons!!
“Ayinde, who has represented Nigeria at various international tournaments including the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada in 2014 and the Women’s World Cup in France, will be missed. She has also participated in two editions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Coach Randy Waldrum now faces the task of selecting a replacement for Ayinde ahead of the Paris Games. Candidates likely to be considered include Jumoke Alani, Ifeoma Onumonu, Gift Monday, and Morufa Ademola, who were named on the alternate list released on Wednesday.
Waldrum’s original selection for the Olympics includes a blend of experienced players like captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and defender Osinachi Ohale, as well as rising talent such as star forward Asisat Oshoala.
The Super Falcons will commence their preparations for the Olympics with a two-week training camp in Sevilla, Spain. Their quest for Olympic glory begins on 25 July against Brazil at the Stade Bordeaux, followed by matches against Spain on 28 July and Japan on 31 July at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes.