The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports suggesting that Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi will miss Sunday’s African playoff final for the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to suspension.

Speculation had circulated that Ndidi, who received a yellow card in Nigeria’s 4–1 semifinal win over Gabon on Thursday, would be ruled out of the decisive clash with DR Congo because of accumulated bookings. The Leicester City star had also been cautioned during the group phase of the qualifiers, fueling concerns over his availability.

Ndidi, who captained the team and delivered a standout performance capped with an assist for Chidera Ejuke’s goal, was booked in the first half for protesting a referee’s call.

However, the NFF clarified on Saturday via a social media post that cautions issued during the group stage do not carry into the playoff rounds. According to the federation, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the midfielder is fully eligible to feature.

“CAF has confirmed that Wilfred Ndidi is eligible to feature for the Super Eagles in Sunday’s playoff clash against DR Congo,” the NFF stated. “Cautions accumulated during the World Cup qualifiers do not carry over into the playoffs; only confirmed suspensions apply.”

Nigeria will take on DR Congo at 8 p.m. (Nigerian time) on Sunday, with the winner advancing to represent Africa in next year’s intercontinental playoff for a place at the 2026 World Cup.