JUST IN: Nigeria Gets Major Lift as Wilfred Ndidi Becomes Eligible for World Cup Playoff Final

 

Nigeria’s preparations for Sunday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff against the Democratic Republic of Congo have been lifted by confirmation that Wilfred Ndidi is cleared to feature.

According to an official update from the Super Eagles media department, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) notified the Nigeria Football Federation that yellow cards accumulated during the qualification rounds do not extend into the playoff stage—except in cases where a player is already serving a suspension.

The clarification puts an end to earlier concerns within the Nigerian camp, as head coach Eric Chelle had initially assumed the Beşiktaş midfielder would be unavailable due to card accumulation. With the new directive, Ndidi is fully eligible for the crucial fixture in Rabat, Morocco.

The midfielder is now in line to make his 71st appearance for the national team. He also stands among the few players in the current squad with previous World Cup experience, alongside vice-captain William Troost-Ekong and midfielder Alex Iwobi.

Defender Chidozie Awaziem, who was included in the 2018 World Cup squad but did not see action, is also part of the team for the playoff showdown.