₦airaland Forum

The Super Eagles have confirmed that Wilfred Ndidi is eligible to play in Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff final against DR Congo, ending nearly two days of confusion over the midfielder’s status, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The team announced on their official X account on Saturday that CAF had clarified the rules, stating that yellow cards accumulated during the qualifiers do not carry over into the playoff round and that only confirmed suspensions apply.

“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 post read.

The update reverses an earlier position from the NFF, which had stated through its director of communication, Dr Ademola Olajire, that the midfielder would miss the match after receiving his second yellow card of the qualification series in Thursday’s 4–1 extra-time win over Gabon.

The NFF’s statement quoted head coach Eric Chelle describing Ndidi as an important figure whose experience, ability and leadership were central to the team.

Chelle noted that the squad had enough depth to manage his expected absence and that the midfielder would continue to support the group.

“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. We have a large squad of players, and we will make changes.

“Ndidi is still here with us and will support the team mentally and with his presence,” Chelle said.

Chelle had been preparing to choose between Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka to fill the role, with Onyeka having strengthened the midfield effectively during extra time on Thursday. The coach was also set to welcome back centre-back Semi Ajayi, who had completed a suspension and was available for selection.

The new clarification comes after Ndidi marked a personal milestone on Thursday, earning his 70th cap for Nigeria and providing an assist in a commanding midfield display.

Ndidi’s reinstatement is a significant boost for the Super Eagles as they face a confident DR Congo side that eliminated Cameroon with a stoppage-time goal.

Irohjohnpaulc:
That's lovely, I believe that today's game will be a walkover for the super eagles team

cathodekazim:
This news scatter Twitter yesterday. Someone even suggested it's a way CAF led mostepe want to get back at us. I won't be shocked if after the game CAF decided to do us no be ojuju be this. We still need FIFA confirmation

humberjade:
I beg to differ. A walk over against a semi-finalist at the last AFCON? And they were only pipped by the host country and eventual winners, Ivory Coast.

They will be a hard nut to crack.

Irohjohnpaulc:
That's lovely, I believe that today's game will be a walkover for the super eagles team

Engrduke:
NFF, please be double sure o.

We don't want South Africa's treatment please.

Reference:
Don't know why Raphael Onyedika is not a starter.
Watched him play several times for Club Brugge in seasons past on ESPN (before the Belgian Pro league was scrubbed in favour of the Saudi Pro league).

By no means a flashy player but he is dead comported, steady on the ball and has tons of experience at the highest levels featuring in the UCL and Europa every season.

If we don't start grooming such players what happens when Ndidi's legs eventually expire.

Mrexcell:
Not true the Congolese govt is promising and motivating their players with $1m each if they qualify that's surely going to be one hell of a match.

Reference:
Totally agree.
This is a country with a rock solid football tradition.
Their local league and club sides are streaks ahead of Cameroun's and Nigeria's and if you watched them against Cameroun they played without an iota of fear and without respect to the names in the Lions squad. Plenty of pace and good ball control. They will be a tough nut to crack.

Then they have the psychological edge of being the underdogs. The fans will be on their side because of that and they have the x-factor of a french foreign coach. These coaches just love to craft tactical battles against us.

We need to play the best soccer we have not seen the Eagles play for a long, long time to go through. Congo's only weakness I see is finishing. But that is our principal weakness.... goalkeeping.

Irohjohnpaulc:
That's lovely, I believe that today's game will be a walkover for the super eagles team

humberjade:
I beg to differ. A walk over against a semi-finalist at the last AFCON? And they were only pipped by the host country and eventual winners, Ivory Coast.

They will be a hard nut to crack.