Paris Saint-Germain and Nigeria star Rasheedat Ajibade faces at least three months on the sidelines after an MRI scan revealed she suffered a fracture to her right ankle during Nigeria's Olympic qualifying match against Comoros on Tuesday.
Ajibade was charged into by Comoros defender Diore Miriame Kaina Said 20 minutes into Nigeria's 5-0 victory in the second leg of their 2028 Olympic Games qualifier, and landed heavily on her right foot. She was unable to continue the game and was immediately substituted, with forward Folashade Ijamilusi taking her place.
Ajibade was taken directly from the stadium to hospital where an MRI scan confirmed the nature of the injury.
"The MRI showed that she suffered a fracture on her ankle and she saw a surgeon here immediately after," NFF head of communications Ademola Olajire told ESPN.
"But because of her flight back to Paris, she couldn't wait and I spoke to our team doctor and we understand she'll be having surgery on Friday in Paris."
The federation did not announce an official recovery timeline, and Olajire added that further updates on Ajibade's condition and the full extent of her absence is expected to become clearer following surgery and further assessment by PSG's medical staff.
"We will be in constant communication with them to monitor her situation," he said.
The injury could rule the Paris Saint-Germain forward out of Nigeria's November international fixtures and several UEFA Women's Champions League matches, although she could be back in time for the Super Falcons' third-round Olympic qualifier against Morocco in March.
Despite the prognosis, Ajibade was quick to reassure supporters about her condition in a statement on her WhatsApp status.
"I'm fine and doing well. I'll be back stronger, for good and for God's greater glory," she said. "Thank you so much for all your calls and messages. I'm sorry I can't reply to everyone right now, but once I settle in, I'll get back to each of you.
"I see all your messages, your love and your kind wishes. Thank you, thank you, thank you! God bless you all."
The 26-year-old's injury comes as the Super Falcons attempt to qualify for a second consecutive Olympic Games after ending a 16-year absence with their appearance at Paris 2024.
Ajibade captained Nigeria to a record-extending 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations title in 2025 and has been one of the team's most established internationals.
Her injury also interrupts her first full season at PSG, whom she joined from Atlético de Madrid in 2025 on a contract running through June 2027.
Ajibade had already featured in PSG's Champions League campaign this season, and her absence will deprive the French club of an attacking option during a busy period of domestic and European fixtures.