FIFA WWC: See why Atletico’s Ajibade was suspended for the Group B clash against Canada

The Super Falcons will be without key players Rasheedat Ajibade and Halimat Ayinde as they take on Olympic champions, Canada, at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Falcons face the Canadians in Group B of the tournament.

The duo will miss the game due to suspensions they received after being sent off during the Super Falcons’ semi-final clash against host nation Morocco at the 2022 Africa Women’s World Cup.

FIFA’s disciplinary review, released on Wednesday, confirmed their ineligibility to participate in the crucial encounter against Canada.

Ayinde previously played for Western New York Flash in the United States and Atletico Madrid Femeni forward, Ajibade.

The Group B showdown will occur at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 3.30 am Nigeria time.

This match is anticipated to be a highly competitive affair, given Canada’s status as Olympic champions and Nigeria’s strong reputation in women’s football.

Apart from Canada, the Super Falcons will also have to face tough opponents in co-hosts Australia and debutants Republic of Ireland within the same group.

Their path to the knockout stages will undoubtedly be a challenging one, but the Nigerian team remains determined to put up a spirited fight and progress in the tournament.