The Nigeria Football Federation says Wilfred Ndidi is eligible to play against DR Congo despite reports of a suspension over accumulated yellow cards.
Wilfred Ndidi will be available for Nigeria’s final African playoff match against DR Congo for the 2026 World Cup, according to a report from THE CABLE.
The clarification came after reports suggested the midfielder would miss Sunday’s decisive clash due to yellow card accumulation. Ndidi received a caution in the first half of Nigeria’s 4-1 victory over Gabon in Thursday’s semi-final, where he captained the team and provided an assist for Chidera Ejuke’s goal. He had also picked up a yellow card during the group stage of the World Cup qualifiers.
In a statement posted on Saturday, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) debunked claims that the Leicester City player would be suspended. The federation said the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that “cautions accumulated during the World Cup qualifiers do not carry over into the playoffs; only confirmed suspensions apply.”
The NFF added that “CAF has confirmed that Wilfred Ndidi is eligible to feature for the Super Eagles in Sunday’s playoff clash against DR Congo.”
Nigeria will face DR Congo at 8 pm on Sunday, with the winners advancing as Africa’s representative in next year’s intercontinental playoff for a World Cup ticket.
The match is expected to determine the continent’s final pathway to the 2026 global tournament.