World football governing body FIFA has informed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) that Super Eagles central defender, Semi Ajayi will not be available for the team’s first playoff match against Gabon.

Ajayi received a yellow card during Nigeria’s 4–0 win over Benin Republic on Tuesday which was his second booking of the series and which automatically triggers a one-match suspension. He will therefore miss the first leg of the playoff against Gabon next month.

However, Ajayi will be eligible to return for the final playoff match if Nigeria advances. He is also expected to be part of the team’s contingent for the tournament in Morocco.

Meanwhile, FIFA has written to the Gabonese Football Federation confirming that their star striker, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, will be available for selection against Nigeria. Aubameyang had served his suspension during Gabon’s final qualifying match against Burundi.

The former Arsenal forward, who scored all four goals in Gabon’s penultimate game against Gambia before being sent off for a second yellow card, served a one-match ban as stipulated for double cautions, unlike a straight red card, which carries a two-match suspension.