The Super Eagles have confirmed that midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is eligible to play in Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff final against DR Congo, ending almost 48 hours of uncertainty surrounding his suspension status.
In an update posted on their official X account on Saturday, the team announced that CAF had clarified its regulations, confirming that yellow cards accumulated in the qualifiers do **not** carry over into the playoff stage. Only players serving confirmed suspensions are ineligible.
“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 statement read.
This clarification overturns an earlier announcement from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). On Friday, NFF spokesperson Dr. Ademola Olajire stated that Ndidi would miss the match after receiving his second yellow card in Thursday’s 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon. Head coach Eric Chelle was quoted emphasizing Ndidi’s importance to the squad, praising his leadership and experience while insisting that the team had enough depth to cover his expected absence.
“Ndidi is an important player for us. His experience, ability and leadership on the pitch are important for this team. But we will manage the situation… Ndidi is still here with us and will support the team mentally and with his presence,” Chelle had said.
The coach had been preparing to select either Raphael Onyedika or Frank Onyeka to replace the Leicester City midfielder, with Onyeka having impressed during extra time on Thursday. Centre-back Semi Ajayi, who had just completed a suspension, was also set for a return.
CAF’s clarification comes just after Ndidi earned his 70th international cap, delivering a strong performance and recording an assist in the win over Gabon.
His reinstatement is a major boost for Nigeria ahead of the crucial playoff showdown against a confident DR Congo side that stunned Cameroon with a stoppage-time winner to reach the final.
