BREAKING: Huge Boost For Super Eagles As CAF Clears Ndidi For Nigeria Vs Congo World Cup Playoff Finals
THE Super Eagles received a major boost on Saturday, 15 November 2025, after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially confirmed that midfield anchor Wilfred Ndidi is fully eligible to feature in Sunday’s high-stakes World Cup playoff clash against DR Congo.
CAF clarified that yellow cards accumulated during the earlier rounds of the World Cup qualifying campaign do not carry over into the playoff phase. According to the governing body, “only players with active, confirmed suspensions are ineligible for selection.”
This ruling ends days of uncertainty surrounding Ndidi’s availability, following widespread reports that the Leicester City midfielder might miss the decisive encounter due to a second caution. The clarification now restores one of Nigeria’s most experienced and influential midfielders to the squad list ahead of a do-or-die fixture.
Team officials expressed relief at the confirmation, noting that Ndidi’s presence brings critical balance to the midfield. His ability to break up play, maintain structure, and shield the defence has been central to the Super Eagles’ strategy throughout the qualification campaign. A team source described the decision as “a timely lift that strengthens Nigeria’s chances going into a crucial battle.”
With the pathway to the 2026 FIFA World Cup hanging on Sunday’s result, Ndidi’s reinstatement is seen as a psychological and tactical advantage for Nigeria. The Super Eagles coaching staff are now expected to recalibrate their game plan with the midfielder restored to action, as the nation rallies behind the team for one of the most important matches of the qualification series.
