The quartet of Gift Monday, Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Uchiebe and Regina Otu are doubtful for the second round Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers between Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Ethiopia.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has however named a replacement for Ayinde as youngster midfielder Esther Onyenezide will take her place in the team.
Meanwhile, the last time the Falcons featured at the Olympic Games was at Beijing 2008 in China.
Ethiopia will host the first leg at the Abebe Bekila Stadium, Addis Ababa on Wednesday while the return leg will be played at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja on Tuesday, October 31.
The winner on aggregate will confront the winner of the fixture between Cameroon and Uganda.
However, Ayinde who was pivotal at the 2023 FIFA women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, as Falcons reached the round of 16 before losing on penalty shootout to England announced her absence on X account.
“🚨 Update: I won’t be joining the Nigeria women’s national team for our upcoming match against Ethiopia due to circumstances beyond my control. Wishing my Super Falcons teammates all the strength and success on the pitch in Addis Ababa! 🇳🇬⚽ #SuperFalcons #Paris2024 #Olympics”
Also informing her fans about her absence was Christy Ucheibe who controlled the midfield at the last World Cup.
“I am honoured as always to be called up to represent the Super Falcons of Nigeria but I unfortunately will not be able to take part in the games against Ethiopia due to circumstances beyond my control. See you all the next camp 🙏”
MOLATsportgist 