Wilfred Ndidi has been confirmed eligible to play against DR Congo in Sunday’s World Cup playoff, ending nearly 48 hours of uncertainty over his suspension.
TEAM NEWS UPDATE 📰
CAF has confirmed that Wilfred Ndidi is eligible to feature for the Super Eagles in Sunday’s playoff clash against DR Congo.
Cautions accumulated during the World Cup qualifiers do not carry over into the playoffs; only confirmed suspensions apply. pic.twitter.com/hJNYMxdr64
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) November 15, 2025
Abuja, Nigeria – Wilfred Ndidi has been cleared to feature for the Super Eagles in Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff final against DR Congo, according to an announcement from the team’s official X page, PREMIUM TIMES reports.
The announcement ends almost 48 hours of uncertainty that unsettled Nigeria’s camp and left fans confused.
“CAF has confirmed that Wilfred Ndidi is eligible to feature for the Super Eagles in Sunday’s playoff clash against DR Congo. Cautions accumulated during the World Cup qualifiers do not carry over into the playoffs; only confirmed suspensions apply,” the Super Eagles posted.
The confusion began after Ndidi received a yellow card six minutes into Nigeria’s dramatic 4–1 extra-time win over Gabon on Thursday, which was widely interpreted as an automatic suspension for the playoff.
The situation deepened when journalist Osasu Obayiuwana suggested that FIFA had informed CAF the card had been cancelled, raising questions about why the Nigerian Football Federation had not yet been notified.
Within the camp, head coach Eric Chelle had already discussed the possibility of replacing Ndidi with Raphael Onyedika or Frank Onyeka, leaving tactical plans uncertain.
Ndidi’s availability is seen as a major boost for Nigeria. The Besiktas midfielder, known for his defensive stability, ball recovery, and leadership, will strengthen the Super Eagles’ midfield against a confident DR Congo side that recently eliminated Cameroon.
The match will take place at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, with Nigeria aiming to secure a place in the intercontinental playoffs.