Nigeria captain Rasheedat Ajibade is facing a potentially lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an ankle fracture during Nigeria’s Olympic qualifying victory over Comoros, with reports indicating that she is scheduled to undergo surgery in France, Savid News can exclusively report.

SavidNews understands that the injury could keep the Paris Saint-Germain forward out of action until the end of December, dealing a significant blow to both her club and the Nigerian national team at a crucial stage of the season.

Reports published on Thursday indicate that Ajibade is expected to undergo surgery on Friday, October 16, in France. Her precise return date, however, will depend on the procedure, medical assessment and subsequent rehabilitation.  

The 27-year-old sustained the injury during Nigeria’s 5-0 second-leg victory over Comoros in the African qualifying series for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Tuesday.

Ajibade was forced off in the first half following a collision with a Comoros player. She received treatment on the pitch before being stretchered off, with forward Folashade Ijamilusi introduced as her replacement.  

Although Nigeria went on to complete a convincing 7-0 aggregate victory and advance to the next qualifying round, concern over the captain’s condition quickly overshadowed the result.

Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen disclosed after the match that the medical team had taken Ajibade for further examination to establish the extent of the injury.

At the time, Eguavoen said he was awaiting the medical findings and expressed hope that the injury would not be serious. The subsequent reports of an ankle fracture and planned surgery have heightened fears of an extended absence.  

Ajibade, meanwhile, has sought to reassure supporters while awaiting further medical guidance.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Super Falcons captain confirmed that scans and medical consultations were ongoing, adding that further updates would be shared when available.

“At the moment, I am doing okay, and my spirits are high,” she said, while thanking her teammates, family, technical and medical staff, and fans for their support.  

The forward also stressed that her immediate priority was recovery, expressing her determination to return stronger for both club and country.

Her injury comes at a difficult time for PSG, where she is expected to miss important domestic and European fixtures if the reported recovery timeline is confirmed.

Nigeria are preparing for the next stage of the 2028 Olympic qualifying campaign, where they are scheduled to face Morocco. Ajibade’s availability for that tie will depend on her treatment and rehabilitation progress but ruled out November international window.

The Super Falcons will now be hoping that the operation, if completed as reported, goes well and that the captain can begin her recovery without complications.

While the prospect of missing the remainder of 2026 remains a major concern, the final timeline will only become clearer following surgery and further medical assessment.