Ugo NJOKU of Nigeria has been suspended for three matches as a result of an elbow to the face of Australia’s Samantha KERR during the Matildas’ 2-0 win on FRI 12 JUN 2015.

Defender Njoku entered the Group D match during the second half. The incident escaped the notice of referee Stéphanie FRAPPART, but FIFA subsequently reviewed the incident and issued the sanction.

Njoku now misses Nigeria’s crucial match against the United States, as well as the round of sixteen and quarterfinal matches should the Super Falcons advance that far. Otherwise, the remainder of the suspension will be served later this year at Nigeria’s next competitive matches, the CAF qualifiers for the Olympic women’s tournament.