Nigeria will start their FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign against Canada at the Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne, on Friday.

However, Nigeria’s head coach, Randy Waldrum will be without two players; Rasheedat Ajibade and Halimotu Ayinde, for their opening group B match against Canada.

Ajibade and Ayinde are suspended following their red cards from the 2023 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final match against Morocco.

FIFA, on Wednesday, in a disciplinary preview confirmed the suspension of the players.

Their suspension could be a blow to Waldrum’s game plan for the Group B opener.