Rasheedat Ajibade needs surgery on a fractured fibula after injury against Comoros
PSG have confirmed what the Super Falcons feared: their captain broke her fibula in the Olympic qualifier in Ikenne and will have an operation soon. No return date has been given.
The scan results are in, and they are not good. Paris Saint-Germain say Rasheedat Ajibade has a fracture of the fibula, the long bone on the outside of the lower leg, and will be operated on soon by one of the club's specialist surgeons. Rehabilitation will follow with PSG's medical staff.
PSG's statement says the injury happened in Nigeria's latest match against Comoros. That was the 5-0 win in Ikenne on 13 October, when the Super Falcons captain landed heavily on her right foot after a collision midway through the first half and was stretchered off. We covered the game in our Super Falcons 7-0 Comoros report.
What Ajibade said
Before the diagnosis was confirmed, Ajibade posted an update to fans. Africa Soccer reported her words:
“At the moment, I'm doing okay and my spirits are high. For now, my focus is on recovery and returning stronger for club and country.”
How long will she be out?
Nobody has said. PSG's statement gives no timeline, and the NFF has not published one either. Some Nigerian outlets have suggested a layoff of two to three months, but those estimates came before the fracture and surgery were confirmed. We will not guess. Recovery from a fracture that needs an operation depends on the injury and the surgery, and the club has said it will give further updates.
What it means for Nigeria
The timing is the only kind part of this. The Super Falcons' next competitive fixture is the third-round Olympic qualifier against Morocco, scheduled for March 2027. That leaves interim coach Augustine Eguavoen several months to plan with or without his captain.
On the pitch, Ajibade is hard to replace. She leads the side, plays across the front line and carries the ball forward when Nigeria need an outlet. Folashade Ijamilusi replaced her in Ikenne and set up a goal for Uchenna Kanu, which is at least a sign that the squad has options. For PSG, it means a spell on the sidelines in the middle of their season.
We wish her a full and quick recovery.
Sources
- Communique medical avant OL Lyonnes · Paris Saint-Germain (opens in a new tab)
- 'My spirits are high': Rasheedat Ajibade speaks on ankle injury after Nigeria scare · Africa Soccer (opens in a new tab)
- Rasheedat Ajibade injury sours Nigeria Super Falcons' advancement in Olympic qualifiers · ESPN (opens in a new tab)
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