Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade will bear an MRI scan to find out the extent of the harm she sustained throughout Nigeria’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Comoros within the second leg of their 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifying tie.
The midfielder was compelled off within the twenty third minute following a collision with a Comoros defender on the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Tuesday. Visibly in ache, Ajibade acquired medical consideration earlier than being stretchered off, with Folashade Ijamilusi coming on as her substitute.
The harm solid a shadow over an in any other case dominant night for the Super Falcons, who secured a 7-0 mixture victory to advance to the third spherical of the qualifiers, the place they may face Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses.
Toni Payne and Uchenna Kanu each scored braces, whereas Christy Ucheibe transformed a penalty as Nigeria accomplished the rout and strengthened their hopes of progressing additional within the race for a spot on the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
However, the speedy concern after the ultimate whistle was the situation of Ajibade, with interim coach Augustine Eguavoen confirming that the medical staff would conduct additional examinations earlier than offering an official replace on the Captain’s harm.
Speaking at his post-match press convention, Eguavoen admitted that he was but to obtain a definitive analysis however expressed hope that the harm wouldn’t be severe.
“On Ajibade, I have not heard anything,” he mentioned.
“I used to be with the medical staff, and so they mentioned they’re taking her to a hospital for an MRI to establish the diploma of the harm.
“Hopefully, earlier than we get again to the resort, we are going to know. As quickly as we’ve got info, I’m not the one to present 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 will probably be a significant concern for Nigeria as they put together for a extra demanding encounter towards Morocco. The captain is an influential determine within the Super Falcons setup, and her availability might show vital because the staff makes an attempt to navigate the subsequent stage of the Olympic qualifying marketing campaign.
Eguavoen praises Super Falcons’ response towards Comoros
Beyond the priority surrounding Ajibade, Eguavoen expressed satisfaction with the staff’s efficiency, praising the gamers for translating their work on the coaching floor into an emphatic victory.
The Super Falcons had taken a 2-0 benefit into the second leg and accomplished the job with 5 unanswered objectives, demonstrating their attacking high quality and skill to keep up management of the tie.
For Eguavoen, who’s presently serving as interim coach, the efficiency was significantly encouraging as he continues to work with the squad and set up his strategies.
“Congratulations to Nigeria,” he mentioned.
“The sport right now, I’m very happy. I’m very, very comfortable. Congratulations to the ladies; they made my day. I keep in mind I stored begging them as a result of I’m in a brand new terrain.
“We need everybody’s support. The response in training showed in the game.”
The coach additionally acknowledged the advance proven by Comoros regardless of the heavy defeat, suggesting that the guests approached the second leg with a unique mentality after dropping the primary encounter 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 per cent 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 victory ensured a snug passage into the subsequent spherical, however Eguavoen will know that the efficiency towards Comoros is just one step in an extended qualifying marketing campaign. Morocco are anticipated to supply a sterner check, making the Super Falcons’ preparations and the health of key gamers much more vital.
Eguavoen backs Blessing Okpe after late Super Falcons Call-Up
Eguavoen additionally reserved reward for Blessing Okpe, whose efficiency strengthened her case for a extra distinguished function within the nationwide staff after incomes a late invitation to the squad.
The coach revealed that Okpe was initially overlooked of the 28-player choice however was ultimately known as up after one other participant withdrew. He mentioned he had questioned the omission of a ahead who had been scoring often within the Belarusian league.
According to Eguavoen, a suggestion from somebody who contacted him helped draw his consideration to the participant’s scenario.
“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 mentioned.
“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.”
The coach added that even when he doesn’t stay in control of the Super Falcons, he intends to suggest Okpe to whoever takes over the staff, citing the ahead’s capacity to make an impression regardless of her late arrival.
“Next sport, hopefully, I’m right here. I do know I’m the Technical Director. If I don’t proceed on this job, I’ll return to my workplace.
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“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 show will probably be encouraging for the ahead, who has taken benefit of the chance to point out what she will be able to provide at senior worldwide stage. Her efficiency additionally offers Eguavoen one other attacking possibility to contemplate as Nigeria put together for the problem of Morocco.
While the Super Falcons can rejoice a convincing mixture victory and the emergence of extra attacking choices, Ajibade’s harm stays the largest concern from Tuesday’s encounter. The outcomes of her MRI scan will decide the subsequent steps as Nigeria flip their consideration to the third spherical of the Olympic qualifiers.
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