CAF Gives Ndidi Green Light for Super Eagles’ Clash with DR Congo.
CAF has formally cleared Wilfred Ndidi to feature in Sunday’s decisive World Cup playoff final between Nigeria and DR Congo, ending days of uncertainty and handing the Super Eagles a crucial lifeline ahead of their most important match in years. The midfielder had sparked anxiety among fans and officials after picking up an early yellow card in the tense 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon. That caution was widely believed to have triggered a suspension, but CAF has now confirmed that yellow cards from the qualification stage do not carry over into the playoff round. Only players already serving disciplinary bans are ruled out at this stage. The announcement arrived just in time. Nigeria’s coaching crew had already begun weighing options, including a possible reshuffle involving Raphael Onyedika or Frank Onyeka. Those contingency plans have now been pushed to the background, with Ndidi expected to reclaim his starting role and bring balance to the midfield. Head coach Éric Chelle had earlier admitted his concerns, describing Ndidi as an “important player” whose absence would have altered both strategy and leadership on the pitch. That worry has now dissolved, but the pressure remains intact. The stakes could not be higher; a win on Sunday keeps Nigeria on the road to the 2026 World Cup, while anything less hands DR Congo the advantage and ends the Super Eagles’ campaign. Both sides are expected to fight with everything they have in Rabat. Momentum may be with Nigeria, but DR Congo have proven resilient throughout this playoff series, and the slightest lapse could be fatal. More developments are expected as kick-off approaches, and anticipation continues to tighten like a drum.
| 2025-11-15 15:37:35