Ayinde promises to bounce back from her injury stronger.
Halimatu Ayinde, a midfielder for the Super Falcons, has pledged to recover from the knee injury that prevented her from competing in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
After suffering a left knee injury during a workout at her club, FC Rosengård, the 29-year-old underwent a successful operation.
She has acknowledged on her Instagram page that she will be greatly missed by both her club and her country, especially since the Super Falcons lack an experienced and trustworthy replacement. She has also included a video of herself scoring a spectacular goal during a recent match to further emphasize this point.
“If you are missing me, watch this. I’m coming with more strength,” she said.
The news was revealed by Her Rosengard in a statement on Facebook. Due to a knee injury sustained in training, Halimatu Ayinde will not compete in the Olympics. We hope she heals quickly.
A few days later, the players revealed the successful surgery and expressed their support for the Super Falcons in a statement posted on the same social media platform.
It read, “It is with a heavy heart that I announce I will not be part of the Super Falcons squad participating in the upcoming France 2024 Olympics due to a knee injury sustained during practice yesterday. While it deeply saddens me to miss this prestigious tournament, I am incredibly grateful for the love and support I have received from my club, FC Rosengård, and my teammates, which ensured that my operation was a success. To my fellow Super Falcons, I wish you the best of luck as you represent Nigeria on the global stage. Your hard work and passion will undoubtedly shine through, and I have complete faith in your abilities to achieve great success. I will be cheering for you every step of the way and will be back soon, stronger than ever.
“Go Super Falcons!”
Ayinde, who has now been replaced by striker Ifeoma Onumonu, was part of the Nigeria national team at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the winning squad at the 2014 African Women’s Championship.
She was named in the 23-player Nigerian squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 and earlier represented the country at the U20 level.
