Nigeria's Super Falcons dealt a major blow as Halimatu Ayinde ruled out of Olympics

Nigeria’s Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum has been dealt a major blow ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, as key midfielder Halimatu Ayinde has been ruled out due to a knee injury, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum has suffered a setback in his preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympics after key midfielder Halimatu Ayinde was ruled out due to a knee injury, according to Soccernet.ng.

Ayinde, who plays for Rosengard FC, was included in the 18-woman squad announced by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Wednesday.

However, Ayinde’s club confirmed on Thursday that she sustained the injury during a training session and will not be able to participate in the Olympics.

“Halimatu Ayinde injured her knee during training and will miss the Olympics. We wish her a speedy recovery,” the club said in a statement.

Ayinde's absence is a blow to Waldrum, who was relying on her experience and skill to help Nigeria navigate a challenging group stage against Spain, Japan and Brazil.

The setback now forces Waldrum to find a replacement from the alternate list, which includes Gift Monday, Ifeoma Onumonu, Jumoke Alani and Morufat Ademola.

This unexpected change could have an impact on the team’s strategy and performance in the tournament.

Ayinde has been a key player for both club and country. She joined Rosengard FC in 2022 from Eskilstuna United and played a crucial role in Nigeria’s impressive run at the World Cup last year.

The Super Falcons surprised many by advancing from a tough group that included co-hosts Australia, Canada and the Republic of Ireland.

Discovered from local women’s league side Delta Queens, Ayinde made her mark with Nigeria’s U17 and U20 teams before debuting for the senior team in 2015. Her absence will be keenly felt by the Super Falcons as they prepare for the Olympics.

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