Nigeria have received a significant boost ahead of Sunday’s 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff final against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rabat, Morocco, as midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has been cleared to play.
According to a statement from the Super Eagles media team, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) notified the Nigeria Football Federation that yellow cards accumulated during the qualifying series do not carry over into the playoff stage, except in cases where a suspension has already taken effect.
Ndidi had picked up bookings in Nigeria’s 2–0 victory over Rwanda in March 2025 and in the playoff semifinal against Gabon, prompting the technical crew to initially rule him out of the final.
However, CAF’s clarification means the Beşiktaş midfielder is eligible for selection, giving head coach Eric Chelle a timely lift as he prepares his squad for the crucial clash.
Ndidi is now poised to make his 71st international appearance when the Super Eagles face the Leopards on Sunday.
