This blow comes after the Player’s name was included in the squad list released by Super Falcons head Coach Randy Waldrum on Wednesday.

Ayinde suffered a knee injury during training, as confirmed by her Swedish club, Rosengard, in a statement on Thursday evening.

“Unfortunately, Halimatu Ayinde injured her knee during training yesterday and will miss the Olympics. We wish her a speedy recovery. Get well, Halimatu.”

The 29-year-old wrote to her team on her inability to join the Super Falcons at the Olympics: “With a heavy heart, I announce I won’t be part of the Super Falcons for the Olympics.

“I’m deeply grateful to FC Rosengård and my teammates for their support and love. Best of luck to my fellow Super Falcons. I’ll be cheering for you and will return stronger. Go Super Falcons!!”

A replacement for Ayinde is expected to be named soon. Potential replacements from the alternate players include Gift Monday, Ifeoma Onumonu, Jumoke Alani, and Morufat Ademola.