Nigeria’s Super Eagles will head into the decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs match against the Democratic Republic of Congo without key midfielder Wilfred Ndidi. The Leicester City star received his second booking of the qualifying series during Nigeria’s 4–1 win over Gabon in Rabat on Thursday, ruling him out of the crucial fixture.
Ndidi’s suspension is a significant blow to head coach Eric Chelle, who praised the midfielder for his leadership, defensive skills, and experience on the international stage. “Ndidi is an important player for us. His experience, ability, and leadership on the pitch are important for this team,” Chelle said in a statement to the official Nigeria Football Federation website, thenff.com.
Despite the setback, Chelle expressed confidence in his squad’s depth, insisting that the team can adjust to the absence of Ndidi. “We will manage the situation. We have a large squad of players and we will make changes,” he added, signaling that other players are ready to step up in his place.
Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka is expected to start in Ndidi’s position against DR Congo. Onyeka has been a consistent performer in the midfield, known for his energy, passing accuracy, and defensive contributions. His inclusion ensures that Nigeria maintains balance in midfield while attempting to control the game against a competitive Congolese side.
The playoff clash comes at a critical moment for Nigeria, as the winner of the two-legged tie will secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Nigeria’s journey to the playoffs has seen strong performances from players like Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Kelechi Iheanacho, who have contributed significantly to the team’s qualifying campaign.
Ndidi’s suspension highlights the impact of yellow card accumulation in international competitions. Known for his tough tackling and defensive discipline, Ndidi often serves as the anchor for Nigeria’s midfield, breaking up opposition attacks and providing cover for the defenders. His absence may force Chelle to adopt a slightly different tactical approach, relying on Onyeka and other midfielders to fill the gap.
The Super Eagles have a strong history in African football and are aiming to qualify for the World Cup after a competitive qualifying campaign. In recent years, Nigeria has produced top-class midfielders who can step into challenging situations, and Chelle will be hoping the team can maintain its momentum despite the setback.
Nigeria will face DR Congo in the first leg of the playoffs in Brazzaville, with the return leg scheduled for Abuja. The results will determine whether the Super Eagles continue their pursuit of a place at football’s biggest stage in 2026.
