Nigeria midfielder, Halimatu Ayinde inched closer to return to UEFA Women’s Champions League action for Swedish giants Rosengard as she started her personal recuperation training session.

The 28-year-old had withdrawal from the Nigeria squad for Paris 2024 Olympic qualifiers against Ethiopia due to leg injury since October 6, 2023.

Sources said  the Super Falcons midfielder was ruled out for eight weeks and has subsequently pulled out of the Nigeria roster for this month’s clash with Cape Verde.

Ayinde recently took to her social media accounts to share her recovery progress “Embracing the journey to recovery with each session – a step closer to my best self!  Grateful for the support and progress. 

Ayinde was an integral part of Nigeria’s senior women’s national team that reached the Round of 16 of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia where Randy Waldrum’s side bowed out to European champions and world vice champions, England on penalties.

The Delta Queens product played some games for her Swedish side, FC Rosengard before she was ruled out due to injury.

Her last match was against Djurgardens on October 6, 2023, which she started the match and was replaced in the 61st minute.

Since then, she has been recovering from injury layoff and is preparing to return to the field of play now that her team needs her for their league and Champions League campaign.