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Super Falcons player Halimatu Ayinde announced her withdrawal from the Paris 2024 Olympics due to a knee injury and wishing her national teammates success while vowing to return stronger.
Nigerian football fans have been dealt a devastating blow with the news that star midfielder Halimatu Ayinde has been ruled out of the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics due to a devastating knee injury.
Ayinde, who was named in the 18-player Super Falcons squad by head coach Randy Waldrum, suffered the horror injury during training on Wednesday, forcing her to miss Nigeria's first Olympic appearance since 2008.
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15:54 - 04.07.2024
Super Falcons coach blasts NFF for missed FIFA Window Ahead of Paris 2024 Olympics
The Super Falcons last competed in the Olympics in 2008, achieving a quarter-final finish in 2004 in Athens, Greece.
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Super Falcons head to Paris 2024 without star midfielder
In a heartbreaking statement, the 27-year-old FC Rosengård player expressed her anguish at being forced to sit out the prestigious tournament, but vowed to return 'stronger than ever'.
'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,' Ayinde said.
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'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.'
The talented defensive midfielder, who has been a crucial cog in Nigeria's midfield, went on to wish her Super Falcons teammates the best of luck as they prepare to take on giants of the game in a daunting Group C.
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'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,' Ayinde added.
'I will be cheering for you every step of the way and will be back soon, stronger than ever. Go Super Falcons!'
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Nigeria, who are making their first Olympic appearance since 2008, have been drawn into a challenging group against the might of Brazil, Spain and Japan.
The Super Falcons will kick off their campaign on July 25 against the formidable Brazilians in Bordeaux, before facing Spain on July 28 and Japan on July 31 in Nantes.
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The absence of the experienced and influential Ayinde will undoubtedly be a major blow to Waldrum's side as they look to make history and capture Nigeria's first-ever Olympic gold medal in women's football.
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