Nigeria handed massive boost ahead of DR Congo showdown for World Cup Playoff Final | OneFootball

CAF confirms accumulated yellow cards do not carry over into the playoff stage

Nigeria handed massive boost ahead of DR Congo showdown for World Cup Playoff Final

Nigeria have been handed huge boost ahead of Sunday’s high stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff final after the Confederation of African Football CAF officially cleared Wilfred Ndidi to play against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The news was confirmed on Saturday through the Super Eagles official X account ending nearly 24 hour of uncertainty surrounding the Besiktas midfielder’s eligibility.

CAF clarification ends confusion

Ndidi received sixth minute yellow card in Thursday’s 4-1 win over Gabon in the semi final — believed at first to be his second caution of the qualifiers after earlier yellow in 2024.

Under that assumption, Nigeria’s technical staff ruled him out of the final.

But CAF has now clarified that:

As result, Ndidi enters Sunday’s showdown with just one active caution, not two and is fully eligible to feature in Rabat.

A crucial boost for Eric Chelle

This decision is important for coach Eric Chelle who has relied heavily on the 27 year old who is one of the team's most experienced players, with 70 international cap and previous World Cup experience.

His availability restores Nigeria to near full strength with no new injuries reported after the semi final victory.

High stakes in Rabat

Nigeria fell short of automatic qualification after finishing behind South Africa in Group D forcing them into this four team playoff mini tournament.

They defeated Gabon to reach the final while DR Congo edged Cameroon late in the other semi final.

Sunday’s clash at Stade Moulay El Hassan will determine who advances to the inter confederation playoff in Mexico — Africa’s last route to the 2026 World Cup.