Ndidi ruled out as Osimhen and five others risk suspension ahead of World Cup play-off final vs DR Congo

Super Eagles will be without midfielder Wilfred Ndidi when they face DR Congo in this weekend’s 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off final, Soccernet.ng reports. 

The former Leicester City star picked up a decisive booking in Nigeria’s dramatic 4–1 extra-time win over Gabon in Rabat.

Nigeria produced an impressive finish to overpower the Panthers, but the victory came at a cost. Ndidi’s yellow card—his second of the World Cup qualification series—will rule him out of the crucial clash against DR Congo.

The midfielder is not the only concern for head coach Eric Chelle. Six other Super Eagles players, including star forward Victor Osimhen, are walking a disciplinary tightrope and could miss the inter-confederation play-off should Nigeria advance.

Osimhen And Five Others At Risk Of Suspension

A review of Nigeria’s recent qualifying and play-off fixtures shows that several Super Eagles players are walking a disciplinary tightrope ahead of the decisive clash with DR Congo.

Stanley Nwabali picked up a booking in the 1–0 win over Rwanda in Uyo, while Bright Osayi-Samuel was cautioned during the 1–1 draw against South Africa.

Alex Iwobi also received a yellow card in Nigeria’s 2–0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali. The 4–1 extra-time win over Gabon added to the list, with Victor Osimhen, Frank Onyeka, and Amas Obasogie all going into the referee’s book.

With Wilfred Ndidi already ruled out of the World Cup play-off final due to suspension, Nigeria now face the possibility of entering the crucial encounter with several key players just one yellow card away from missing the inter-confederation play-off should the team progress.

Super Eagles Next Match: Nigeria vs DR Congo

The Super Eagles will meet DR Congo, who defeated Cameroon 1–0 thanks to a stoppage-time header from captain Chancel Mbemba.

Both nations are now just one win away from booking a place in the inter-confederation playoff—the final hurdle on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria’s preparations for the Gabon clash were already overshadowed by a training boycott over unpaid bonuses, but the team eventually responded on the pitch with goals from Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke and a brace from Osimhen in extra time.

We face the Leopards on Sunday pic.twitter.com/pJZAvPaGWJ

— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) November 13, 2025

Chelle must now adjust his midfield setup without Ndidi while also managing the risk factors surrounding his other key players ahead of Sunday’s decisive fixture.