Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle says Nigeria must ‘manage the situation' after deputy captain Wilfred Ndidi was ruled out of Sunday’s FIFA World Cup Africa playoff final against DR Congo, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Besiktas midfielder picked up an early yellow card in Thursday’s 4–1 extra-time win over Gabon in Rabat, his second caution of the qualifying/playoff series, triggering automatic suspension for the decisive clash.
Ndidi had captained the side in the semi-final, with William Troost-Ekong starting on the bench, and produced a disciplined midfield performance, even supplying the pinpoint assist for Chidera Ejuke’s goal.
Yet his absence leaves Chelle without one of Nigeria’s most influential figures on and off the pitch.
“Ndidi is an important player for us,” Chelle told the NFF Media.
“His experience, ability and leadership on the pitch are important for this team. But we will manage the situation. We have a large squad of players and we will make changes.
“Ndidi is still here with us and will support the team mentally and with his presence.”
The coach is expected to turn to either Raphael Onyedika or Frank Onyeka, with the latter impressing in extra time against Gabon. Nigeria will however welcome back Semi Ajayi, who is now eligible to return to central defence after serving his suspension.
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Super Eagles target historic step ahead of DR Congo battle in Rabat
Sunday’s final in Rabat offers the winner the single African slot to next March’s six-team Intercontinental Playoff Finals, from which two sides will ultimately qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
It is a contest layered with history and pressure: DR Congo, last at the World Cup in 1974, aim to halt Nigeria’s march toward a seventh appearance since 1994.
The semi-finals offered contrasting paths. Nigeria surged late against Gabon, tearing away in extra time after a tightly contested 90 minutes.
Victor Osimhen, one of the world’s deadliest forwards, netted twice to reach 31 goals in 45 appearances, with the Galatasaray striker now eyeing Rashidi Yekini’s longstanding record of 37 international goals.
DR Congo, meanwhile, edged Cameroon 1–0 with Chancel Mbemba, their captain and chief danger-man, slamming home from a Brian Cipenga corner deep into added time.
The Leopards bring considerable threat through Mbemba, Cipenga, Noah Sadiki, Silas Katompa and forwards Cédric Bakambu, Meshack Elia, Samuel Essende and Fiston Mayele.
Already awaiting in the March playoffs are Bolivia and New Caledonia, with Iraq, Jamaica and Panama in strong contention. Nigeria and Panama are the highest-ranked and therefore likely to be seeded, each needing only one match to seal qualification.
