Super Eagles team news: CAF confirms Ndidi is eligible to face DR Congo in WCQ playoff final

Nigeria have been handed a massive boost ahead of Sunday's 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff final against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rabat, allnigeriasoccer.com reports. 

In a statement issued by the Super Eagles media team, the Confederation of African Football confirmed that Besiktas midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is eligible to feature for the Super Eagles when they face the Leopards at the Moulay Hassan Stadium.

CAF informed the Nigeria Football Federation that cautions accumulated during the World Cup qualifying series do not carry over into the playoffs, with only confirmed suspensions remaining in force.

Ndidi was booked in Nigeria's 2–0 victory over Rwanda in March 2025, and also received a caution during the playoff semifinal between the Super Eagles and the Panthers.

This clarification from CAF will come as welcome news to manager Eric Chelle, who had previously ruled Ndidi out of contention for the playoff final due to presumed card accumulation.

On Friday, the team secretary, media officer, and Chelle all indicated that the former Leicester City midfielder would be unavailable for selection because of the bookings.

With CAF now giving the green light, Ndidi is set to earn his 71st international cap against the Leopards on Sunday.

The midfielder is one of three players in the current squad with World Cup experience, alongside William Troost-Ekong and Alex Iwobi.

Nantes centre-back Chidozie Awaziem was also part of Nigeria's squad at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but did not make an appearance during the tournament.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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