Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade will have an MRI scan to check her injury. She got hurt during Nigeria’s 5-0 win over Comoros in the second leg of their Olympic qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Ajibade had to leave the game in the 23rd minute after colliding with a Comoros defender at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Tuesday. She was clearly in pain and received medical help before being taken off the field on a stretcher. Folashade Ijamilusi replaced her.
This injury cast a shadow over what was otherwise a fantastic night for the Super Falcons. Nigeria won with a total of 7-0 on aggregate and moved to the third round, where they will play against Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses.
Toni Payne and Uchenna Kanu both scored twice while Christy Ucheibe added a penalty. This strong performance boosts Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
After the match, the main worry was Ajibade’s condition. Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen said the medical team would conduct further tests before giving an official update on her injury.
In his post-match comments, Eguavoen said he had not received a clear diagnosis but remained hopeful that it was not serious. "On Ajibade, I have not heard anything," he shared.
"I was with the medical team, and they said they are taking her to a hospital for an MRI to ascertain the degree of the injury. Hopefully, before we get back to the hotel, we will know. As soon as we have information, I am not the one to give it.
"The medical team will contact the head of media, and then you will get an update on Ajibade’s injury. Unfortunately, we lost Ajibade early in the game, but I think, and I hope and I pray, that the injury is very minute.”
Ajibade’s health is crucial for Nigeria as they get ready for the tougher match against Morocco. She is a key player for the Super Falcons, and whether she can play could affect their chances in the Olympic qualifiers.
Eguavoen Praises Team After Victory Against Comoros
Despite the concern for Ajibade, Eguavoen was pleased with how the team played. He commended the players for turning their training efforts into a solid win.
The Super Falcons already had a 2-0 lead from the first leg and finished the job with five more goals. This showed their attacking power and control during the match.
For Eguavoen, who is currently the interim coach, this performance was a good sign as he continues working with the team. "Congratulations to Nigeria," he said.
"The game today, I’m very pleased. I’m very, very happy. Congratulations to the girls; they made my day. I remember I kept begging them because I’m in a new terrain.
"We need everybody’s support. The response in training showed in the game.”
The coach also recognized that Comoros improved despite the heavy loss. He noted that the visitors played differently after losing the first match 2-0.
"Yes, 5-0 today, the first leg was 0-2. I would say the Comoros team improved. Today, they improved and were beaten 5-0, so it’s a little bit tricky," he added.
"I’m 100 percent sure that they knew today they had nothing to lose, so they had to play. Congratulations to us, like I said, I’m very impressed with the team.”
Nigeria’s win guarantees them a spot in the next round. But Eguavoen knows that this match against Comoros is just one step in a longer qualifying journey. Morocco will be a tougher opponent, making it even more important for the Super Falcons to prepare well and keep their key players fit.
Eguavoen Supports Blessing Okpe After Late Call-Up
Eguavoen also praised Blessing Okpe, whose performance could lead to more playing time for her after getting a late call-up to the national team.
The coach explained that Okpe was not part of the original 28-player list but was added later when another player dropped out. He said he questioned why a forward with a good scoring record in the Belarusian league was left out.
Eguavoen mentioned that a recommendation from someone helped him notice Okpe’s situation. "On Okpe, I want to say a very big thank you to someone who called me. I got a call from, I won’t mention the name," he said.
"Okpe was a late invitee. I was like, somebody scoring a lot of goals in the Belarus league and then she is not in the 28. I was like, that means you didn’t take your time.”
He added that, even if he does not remain as the coach, he will recommend Okpe to whoever takes over. "Next game, hopefully, I am here. I know I am the Technical Director. If I don’t continue in this job, I will go back to my office.
"Then whoever becomes the coach, I will recommend Okpe. But luckily for Okpe, a player pulled out and she had a chance to come. I think she has proven that her late call-up was worth it.”
Okpe’s performance gives her a chance to show what she can do at the senior international level. It also gives Eguavoen another attacking option as Nigeria gets ready for the match against Morocco.
While the Super Falcons can enjoy their big win and the rise of new attacking players, Ajibade’s injury is still the main worry after Tuesday's game. The results of her MRI scan will guide Nigeria as they focus on the next round of the Olympic qualifiers.
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