Nigeria have received a major boost ahead of Sunday’s 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff final against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rabat, Morocco, following confirmation that midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is eligible to play.
In a statement released by the Super Eagles media team, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) informed the Nigeria Football Federation that yellow cards accumulated during the World Cup qualifying series do not carry over into the playoff stage, except where a suspension has already been triggered.
Ndidi had been cautioned in Nigeria’s 2–0 win over Rwanda in March 2025 and again during the playoff semifinal against Gabon, leading the technical crew to initially rule him out of contention for the final.
The clarification from CAF means the Beşiktaş midfielder is now available for selection, offering welcome relief to head coach Eric Chelle, who had earlier believed the player was ineligible due to card accumulation.
Ndidi is now set to earn his 71st international cap when the Super Eagles take on the Leopards on Sunday.
He is one of three players in the squad with previous World Cup experience, alongside William Troost-Ekong and Alex Iwobi.
Chidozie Awaziem, also in the current squad, was part of Nigeria’s 2018 World Cup team but did not feature during the tournament.
