Ayinde out of Super Falcons Olympic squad after picking up knee injury in training

SUPER Falcons midfielder Halimat Ayinde has pulled out of Nigeria's Olympic women's football squad after sustaining a knee injury during training with her Swedish club Rosengård that is likely to keep her out of action for several weeks.

Ayinde, 29, a versatile midfielder who can also play upfront, is a key member of the Falcons and her absence is a big blow. She has recently battled injuries in recent times, missing crucial games for both club and country, so the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had made plans to replace her for the Paris Olympics which starts on July 26.

A Rosengård spokesman said: "Halimatu Ayinde injured her knee during training and will miss the Olympics. We wish her a speedy recovery."

Ayinde added: "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!"

Aside from featuring at the U-20 Women's World Cup in Canada with the Falconets in 2014, Ayinde was also part of the Super Falcons at the Women's World Cup in France and the recently jointly hosted tournament by Australia and New Zealand. With the Olympics approaching, Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum will need to name a replacement for Ayinde.

Frontrunners for the spot include Jumoke Alani, Ifeoma Onumonu, Gift Monday and Morufa Ademola, who are all on the alternate list released on Wednesday. Mr Waldrum's initial selection for the Paris games included a mixture of seasoned veterans and promising youngsters.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and defender Osinachi Ohale bring experience to the squad alongside star forward Asisat Oshoala who will be leading the attack. Nigeria's Super Falcons will begin their preparations for the Olympics with a two-week training camp in Sevilla, Spain.

Their quest for Olympic gold gets underway on July25  against Brazil at the Stade Bordeaux. They will then face Spain at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes on July 28 followed by their final group stage match against Japan at the same venue on  July 31.