Blow for Nigeria as key midfielder Halimatu Ayinde withdraws from Olympics squad due to injury 

The Super Falcons have been dealt a great blow ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics Games which will start this month.

This is due to midfielder Halimatu Ayinde being ruled out of the tournament due to an injury which she picked up during a training session with her club side FC Rosengård.

The 29-year-old was among the 18-player squad announced yesterday by coach Randy Waldrum that will take part in the Olympics but the American tactician will now be without the services of one of his key players.

A replacement will now be chosen between the quartet of Jumoke Alani, Ifeoma Onumonu, Gift Monday and Morufa Ademola, all of whom were named in the alternate list by Waldrum.

The veteran midfielder took to X to announce that she would be missing the tournament and sent her good wishes to her teammates.

"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 Superfalcons!"

Ayinde played a key role in ensuring Nigeria ended their hiatus away from the Olympics and will surely be missed but with the availability of tenacious Deborah Abiodun, and Christy Ucheibe, the African giants' midfield should still be as strong as ever.

Her absence is also a huge blow for FC Rosengård who sit atop the Damallsvenskan  which is the first tier in the Swedish Football League System as she has made 12 appearances this season.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com