Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has been cleared to play in Sunday’s decisive 2026 World Cup play-off final against DR Congo after CAF overturned what was initially believed to be a suspension.
The Beşiktaş midfielder was widely thought to be unavailable for the showdown in Rabat after picking up what appeared to be his second yellow card of the qualifying campaign during Nigeria’s semi-final victory over Gabon.
Ndidi’s first caution came in 2024 during the Super Eagles’ 3–0 win over Benin, prompting fears that Sunday’s booking had triggered an automatic suspension. Head coach Eric Chelle was reportedly bracing for the worst, with midfield depth already a key concern.
However, in a crucial clarification issued on Saturday, Nigeria announced that CAF had confirmed yellow cards accumulated during the standard qualification round do not carry over into the play-offs. As a result, Ndidi enters the final with just one play-off caution — not two — and remains eligible for selection.
The decision comes as a major boost for Nigeria as they prepare for their must-win clash with DR Congo, with a place in next March’s Intercontinental Play-offs in Mexico at stake.
Nigeria had earlier missed out on automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup after finishing behind South Africa in Group D, placing even more weight on Sunday’s tie.
