NIGERIA’s hopes of securing a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs have received a significant boost after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Saturday confirmed that Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is eligible to face the Democratic Republic of Congo in Sunday’s crucial African playoff final in Rabat, Morocco.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that the clarification eases growing tension among fans after widespread reports suggested that the Leicester City star would miss the encounter due to accumulated yellow cards from the earlier stages of the qualifiers.
In a post on the Super Eagles’ official X handle, the team announced that CAF had provided formal confirmation, explaining that cautions picked up during the World Cup qualifying group stages do not carry over into the playoff phase. Only players under confirmed suspension are barred from featuring.
“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 statement read.
Ndidi was among Nigeria’s standout performers in Thursday’s 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon in the semi-final, where he captained the side and delivered a commanding presence in midfield. He capped his impressive outing by setting up Chidera Ejuke for the team’s second goal.
With his availability now assured, the Super Eagles will have one of their most experienced and influential players on the pitch as they battle DR Congo at 8pm Nigerian time in a match that will decide who secures Africa’s slot in the intercontinental playoff scheduled for March in Mexico.
Nigeria will also look to talismanic striker Victor Osimhen, whose recent form underscores his importance to the team’s quest. The 2023 African Player of the Year scored twice in extra time against Gabon and had earlier produced a hat-trick in Nigeria’s 4–0 win over Benin to secure their spot in the playoffs.
The Galatasaray forward still wearing a protective mask since a facial injury four years ago—was a constant threat during the semi-final and could easily have scored more than his brace, missing several chances including a late one-on-one opportunity.
Reflecting on the miss, Osimhen said: “I was gutted after failing to score from that opportunity. Sometimes I score amazing goals no one expects, and on other occasions, I miss when people expect me to score. I apologised to my teammates and promised to find the net in extra time, which I did twice.”
Osimhen is expected to play a leading role as the Super Eagles chase their seventh World Cup appearance. Nigeria have qualified for the global tournament six times in eight attempts since debuting in 1994 and are determined to avoid missing consecutive World Cups after the painful defeat to Ghana in the 2022 qualifiers.
Nigeria, ranked 19 places above DR Congo, are considered favourites, but the Congolese—who defeated Cameroon 1–0 through a late Chancel Mbemba strike are regarded as dangerous opponents on form.
Both teams qualified for the playoffs after finishing among the best runners-up from nine African qualifying groups.
“The victory over Gabon means nothing. We now face formidable opponents in DR Congo, and there will be time to celebrate only if we get the job done.
“We are trying to create an identity. My players are improving mentally and technically with each international window. The key to success over Gabon was passion. We have to rediscover that passion against the Congolese.”
Sunday’s clash in Rabat is a winner-takes-all tie.
The victor progresses to join five other teams from different football regions in the intercontinental playoff series in Mexico, which will decide additional qualifiers for the expanded 48-team World Cup to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.
For Nigeria, Ndidi’s clearance and Osimhen’s form provide renewed belief as the Super Eagles seek to keep their World Cup dream alive.