Confusion has emerged around Wilfred Ndidi’s availability for Nigeria’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off final against DR Congo, Soccernet.ng reports.
This follows a claim that the Leicester City midfielder’s earlier yellow card may have been cancelled by FIFA.
Ndidi was widely expected to miss the match after picking up a second caution during Nigeria’s dramatic 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon.
However, fresh uncertainty was thrown into the mix after respected journalist Osasu Obayiuwana suggested that FIFA may have notified CAF that Ndidi is, in fact, eligible to play.
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This, however, raises questions about whether the initial suspension still stands.
What the New Report on Ndidi's Yellow Card Claims
Obayiuwana, writing on X (formerly Twitter), revealed that sources claim CAF has been informed of a cancellation of Ndidi’s prior yellow card issued during the regular World Cup qualifiers.
“If it is actually true that @CAF_Online has been notified by @FIFAcom that @Ndidi25 is eligible to play… because his previous yellow card, in regular #FIFAWCQ, was cancelled, why is @thenff unaware of this?”
“Wouldn’t FIFA also notify them? Strange stuff… I hope things are clearer on Saturday.” — Obayiuwana wrote.
If it is actually true that @CAF_Online has been notified by @FIFAcom that @Ndidi25 is eligible to play for the @NGSuperEagles in Sunday's #FIFAWorldCup #Playoff final against the #Leopards of #DRC, because his previous yellow card, in regular #FIFAWCQ, was cancelled, why is… pic.twitter.com/4JNeCWrhV0
— Osasu Obayiuwana (@osasuo) November 15, 2025
This raises concern in the Nigerian football community, especially as neither FIFA nor CAF has issued any public clarification.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), per Obayiuwana, is yet to receive any official communication regarding a cancellation that could potentially free the midfield anchor for selection.
Current Understanding of the Former Leicester City Star’s Situation
Before this, it was clear across multiple reports, particularly Soccernet.ng, that the Besiktas midfielder was suspended for the final, with head coach Eric Chelle even acknowledging the midfielder’s absence.
Chelle emphasised that Nigeria would manage the situation and hinted at midfield alternatives such as Raphael Onyedika or Frank Onyeka.
The Nigerian international’s yellow against Gabon came as early as the sixth minute, yet he successfully navigated the remaining 120 minutes without further incident. This has been heavily credited by the Nigerian football faithful.
As of now, no official confirmation has overturned his suspension.
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Why This Matters for Super Eagles
Nigeria faces a strong DR Congo side, who eliminated Cameroon, and the match is expected to be physical and tactically intense.
Having the midfielder available would be a major boost, especially given his form in shielding the defence.
Nigerians Await Clarity
With just hours left before the final, the situation remains unresolved. If FIFA has indeed reversed a key disciplinary decision, an official communication should reach both CAF and the NFF.
The Super Eagles, meanwhile, continue their preparations with cautious optimism, knowing fully well that the cancellation of Ndidi's yellow card can significantly shape Sunday's result.
