Midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is confirmed available for Nigeria’s Super Eagles’ crucial World Cup playoff final against DR Congo, providing a major boost to the team.
Ndidi, who captained the squad during the 4-1 semi-final win against Gabon, had faced doubt over yellow card accumulation.
However, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed, based on information from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), that yellow cards received during the group phase of the qualifiers do not carry over into the playoffs.
“CAF has confirmed that Wilfred Ndidi is eligible to feature for the Super Eagles in Sunday’s playoff clash against DR Congo,” the NFF posted on X on Saturday.
“Cautions accumulated during the World Cup qualifiers do not carry over into the playoffs; only confirmed suspensions apply”.
Ndidi’s availability is a significant boost for coach Eric Chelle, who had earlier ruled him out due to presumed card accumulation.
The midfielder was booked in Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Rwanda in March and received another yellow card against Gabon, but these do not impact his eligibility for the final.
The Super Eagles will face DR Congo on Sunday at 8 pm Nigerian time, with the winner qualifying for the intercontinental playoff for the 2026 World Cup.
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