Ajibade, Ayinde Ineligible for Falcons Clash with Canada

As the women’s World Cup kicks off in Australia and New Zealand today, Nigeria will miss the services of ‘blue-haired’ Rasheedat Ajibade and Halimat Ayinde when the Super Falcons open their campaign in Group B against Olympic champions Canada on Friday.

The duo were sent off in the semi final of last year’s Africa Women’s Cup of Nations against hosts Morocco.

While Ayinde was sent off three minutes after the return from half time break, Ajibade was sacked 20 minutes from time following a VAR review of her clumsy tackle on a Moroccan player.

FIFA therefore declared in a disciplinary review that the two players were  not eligible to feature against the Canadians.

The Super Falcons will take on Canada in the early hours of Friday morning.

The three-time African champions will also face co-hosts Australia and debutants Republic of Ireland in Group B.