Nigeria vice-captain Wilfred Ndidi will miss Sunday’s crucial FIFA World Cup qualification play-off final against DR Congo after receiving a yellow card in the Super Eagles’ 4–1 victory over Gabon on Thursday.

Ndidi was booked as early as the sixth minute for tripping a Gabonese opponent, earning him his second caution of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. His first booking came in the 49th minute of Nigeria’s 2–0 away win over Rwanda in Kigali eight months ago.

The former Leicester City midfielder becomes the second Super Eagles player sidelined due to accumulated yellow cards in the qualifying series. Semi Ajayi, who previously served a one-match suspension, is now eligible to return for the decisive fixture.

In a statement released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), head coach Eric Sékou Chelle expressed regret over Ndidi’s absence but affirmed confidence in the squad’s depth.

“Ndidi is an important player for us. 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,” Chelle said, adding that the midfielder will remain with the team to offer mental and emotional support.

Chelle is expected to choose between Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka to fill the midfield role. Onyeka impressed with a strong performance during extra time in Thursday’s match, boosting his chances of starting on Sunday.

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By Kunle Solaja.

Nigeria and DR Congo will battle for a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Intercontinental Play-Off when they meet in Sunday’s CAF World Cup Play-Off final in Rabat.

The decisive clash is scheduled for 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT) at the Stade Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan.

The Super Eagles arrive with renewed confidence after Thursday night’s dramatic 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon, a result that kept their World Cup hopes alive and restored belief within the Nigerian camp. Eric Sékou Chelle’s men showed resilience and firepower, scoring three times in extra time to outclass the Panthers.

Awaiting them in the final are the Leopards of DR Congo, who are chasing a return to the global stage after 52 years away from the FIFA World Cup.

The Congolese sealed their spot in Sunday’s final by defeating Cameroon 1–0 at the Barid Stadium in Rabat—an emotional and historic win that marked their first victory over the Indomitable Lions in 28 years.

The tense semifinal appeared headed for extra time until a dramatic late twist. A growing link-up between Silas Katompa Mvumpa Sadiki and Fiston Mayele tested the Cameroonian defence, though the Pyramids FC striker was twice caught offside at crucial moments.

Then, in the 90th minute, Gideon Cipenga ignited the decisive sequence with a powerful strike that forced a corner. Cipenga stepped up to take the ensuing inswinger, which captain Chancel Mbemba rose to meet at the far post.

On his 100th appearance for DR Congo, Mbemba delivered a captain’s moment—heading home the winner that propelled his nation into the final.

Nigeria and DR Congo will now face off on Sunday, November 16, 2025, once again at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, with the stakes as high as ever.

The winner advances to the FIFA Inter-Continental Play-Off in March, keeping alive the dream of qualifying for the expanded 2026 World Cup. For both sides, it is all or nothing in Rabat.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has applauded the Super Eagles for their resounding 4–1 victory over Gabon in Thursday’s FIFA World Cup qualifying Africa Playoff clash, calling the performance a powerful demonstration of the “Nigerian spirit that rises, adapts, and prevails.”

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the team displayed “courage, balance, and precision” in Rabat, adding that football remains one of the country’s strongest symbols of unity and collective pride.

Tinubu said the emphatic win has injected fresh momentum into the nation’s push for a World Cup ticket and reinforced the shared determination to return to football’s biggest stage.

Predator! Osimhen on the way to scoring his second and Nigeria’s fourth of the night.

He commended the players, coaching staff, and the entire technical and administrative crew for their unwavering commitment to the national cause, noting that their dedication and discipline were key to Thursday’s success.

According to the President, the result is also a reminder of the depth of talent Nigeria continues to produce, as well as the Super Eagles’ resolve to reclaim their standing among Africa’s most respected football teams.

Tinubu also praised millions of Nigerian fans worldwide for their consistent passion and loyalty, describing their support as a vital source of strength for the squad, especially during demanding international fixtures.

Looking ahead, the President urged the team to remain focused and disciplined as they continue their qualifying campaign.

“Every match presents an opportunity to show character and prove again that Nigeria’s ambition is within reach,” he said. “This is the true Nigerian spirit of resilience against all odds. Do not stop until you secure qualification. Super Eagles, keep soaring. The nation stands with you!”

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