2026 WCQ Playoffs: Wilfred Ndidi Suspended For Final Showdown With Congo

Wilfred Ndidi Out for Super Eagles’ World Cup Playoff Final Against DR Congo

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face the Democratic Republic of Congo without midfielder Wilfred Ndidi in Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff final in Rabat, Morocco. The Leicester City star received his second yellow card of the qualifiers during Thursday’s 4-1 extra-time win over Gabon, booking their spot in the final.

Ndidi was cautioned in the sixth minute for a tackle on Dennis Bouanga, following an earlier booking against Rwanda on matchday five in Kigali. Despite the caution, he shone, assisting Chidera Ejuke’s second goal after Jerome Akor Adams’ opener, with Victor Osimhen’s extra-time brace and Ejuke’s finish completing the rout.

Brentford’s Frank Onyeka is likely to step in for Ndidi, with Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika as another option for coach Eric Chelle. Nigeria take on DR Congo, who defeated Cameroon 2-1, on November 16 at 5pm WAT for Africa’s last intercontinental playoff spot. The winner heads to Mexico in March 2026 for a World Cup shot.