Early Saturday report suggests confusion over Wilfred Ndidi’s availability for Nigeria’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off final against DR Congo, with sources hinting that one of the midfielder’s earlier yellow cards may have been cancelled by FIFA.
Ndidi had been expected to miss Sunday’s match after picking up a second caution during Nigeria’s 4-1 extra-time win over Gabon, triggering an automatic suspension.
Conflicting claims on Card cancellation
Fresh uncertainty surfaced when respected journalist Osasu Obayiuwana claimed that FIFA may have informed CAF that the midfielder remains eligible.
Posting on X, Obayiuwana said sources indicated FIFA had cancelled Ndidi’s previous caution accumulated during the main qualification rounds.
Sources suggest Ndidi can feature against DR Congo – Getty image
He questioned why the Nigeria Football Federation had not been informed if such communication truly existed:
“Wouldn’t FIFA also notify them? Strange stuff… I hope things are clearer on Saturday,” he wrote.
As of now, neither FIFA nor CAF has issued any public clarification, and the NFF is reportedly unaware of any disciplinary reversal.
Chelle planned for Ndidi’s absence
Prior to the latest twist, reports had consistently stated that Ndidi would be unavailable.
Head coach Eric Chelle acknowledged the midfielder’s suspension and pointed to Raphael Onyedika or Frank Onyeka as the likely replacements.
Ndidi’s early yellow card against Gabon came in the sixth minute, but he managed the remaining 120 minutes without further incident, earning praise for his composure.
High-stakes final ahead
Nigeria will face a strong DR Congo team that eliminated Cameroon in their semi-final. The match in Rabat is expected to be physical, tactically demanding.
If FIFA has indeed overturned a key disciplinary decision, formal notification is expected to reach both CAF and the NFF before kickoff.
For now, Ndidi’s status remains unresolved, leaving the Super Eagles to prepare with alternative plans.