Nigeria captain Rasheedat Ajibade has confirmed that medical consultations are ongoing following the injury she sustained against Comoros in Nigeria’s 2028 Olympic Games qualifying campaign, as fresh reports indicate that the Paris Saint-Germain forward could be sidelined for at least three months.

Ajibade provided the update in a personal statement after Nigeria completed a 7-0 aggregate victory over Comoros to advance to the third round of the African qualifiers for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The Nigerian captain thanked her teammates, family, technical and medical staff, and supporters for their prayers and messages following the incident, assuring them that she was doing well and remaining positive.

“Scans and medical consultations are ongoing and more updates will be shared when available,” Ajibade said.

However, the latest development follows an exclusive report by SavidNews on the potential severity of the injury. The publication initially reported on October 14 that preliminary medical findings following an X-ray examination at a Lagos hospital raised concerns that Ajibade could be out for at least two months, pending further assessment.

Fresh reporting on Thursday indicates that the injury is an ankle fracture that could keep the Super Falcons captain out for at least three months. The extended timeline would represent a significant setback for both PSG and Nigeria, although Ajibade’s own public statement did not confirm the diagnosis or duration of her recovery. 

The injury occurred during Nigeria’s 5-0 second-leg victory over Comoros at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, on October 13.

Ajibade went down following a first-half incident involving a Comoros defender and was visibly distressed as medical personnel attended to her. She was eventually carried off on a stretcher, with Folashade Ijamilusi introduced as her replacement.

The Super Falcons went on to secure an emphatic victory through braces from Toni Payne and Uchenna Kanu, while Christy Ucheibe converted a penalty. Nigeria advanced with a 7-0 aggregate score after winning the first leg 2-0.

Despite the convincing result, the injury to their captain became the major concern from the encounter.

Following the match, caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen confirmed that Ajibade had been taken to hospital for an MRI scan to establish the extent of the injury.

“I was with the medical team and they said they are taking her to the hospital for an MRI to ascertain the degree of the injury,” Eguavoen said.

SavidNews subsequently reported that Ajibade underwent an X-ray examination at a Lagos hospital at the request of doctors from her French club, who were seeking more information about the injury.

The forward reportedly travelled back to Paris on Tuesday night after the examination for further medical checks. The initial report cautioned that the recovery estimate remained subject to additional assessments.

Ajibade, meanwhile, expressed pride in Nigeria’s performance against Comoros and the unity demonstrated by the players during the international assignment.

She described captaining the Super Falcons as an honour and praised the commitment shown by her teammates as Nigeria continued its pursuit of another Olympic appearance.

“To my teammates, family, our technical and medical staff, and our fans: I felt every bit of your love and support,” she said.

The 26-year-old also thanked supporters across the football community for their encouragement, noting that their messages and prayers had meant a great deal during the difficult period.

Her potential absence of at least three months would be a considerable blow to PSG, particularly as the club continues its domestic campaign and participation in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

For Nigeria, the injury raises concerns ahead of the next stage of the Olympic qualifying series, where the Super Falcons are scheduled to face Morocco in the third round.

Ajibade has been a key figure in the national team, contributing leadership, versatility and attacking quality. Her availability could be important as Nigeria pursue qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The Super Falcons will now await further developments regarding their captain’s condition, while PSG’s medical team works to establish the appropriate treatment and rehabilitation programme.

Ajibade ended her statement by expressing gratitude once again and entrusting the situation to God, signing off with her familiar words: “All for His glory.”

Further updates on her diagnosis and recovery timeline are expected as the medical assessments continue.