Nigeria’s hopes of securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dealt a blow as head coach Eric Chelle faces the prospect of playing without midfield anchor Wilfred Ndidi in Sunday’s playoff final against DR Congo.

Ndidi, who has been a consistent presence in Nigeria’s midfield throughout the qualifiers, picked up a second yellow card during the Super Eagles’ 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon in Rabat. The booking triggered an automatic suspension, ruling him out of the crucial clash. His absence leaves Chelle with a significant headache, as Ndidi’s ability to break up opposition attacks and provide balance between defence and attack has been central to Nigeria’s campaign.

The Super Eagles now face DR Congo, who advanced to the final after edging Cameroon 1–0 in their semi-final. The Leopards are known for their physicality and pace, qualities that Ndidi’s presence would have helped to neutralize. Without him, Chelle must reshuffle his midfield options, with Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, and Alex Iwobi among those likely to step in.

Speaking ahead of the match, Chelle admitted the suspension was a setback but insisted the team remains focused. “Ndidi is an important player for us, but we have depth in the squad. Whoever comes in must rise to the occasion. This is the World Cup at stake, and we cannot afford excuses,” he said.

Nigeria missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a painful memory that continues to drive the current squad. With Victor Osimhen in blistering form and the team determined to restore Nigeria’s place on football’s biggest stage, the Super Eagles are expected to fight tooth and nail despite the absence of their midfield general.

The winner of Sunday’s clash will advance to the six-nation intercontinental playoff tournament in Mexico next March, where only two teams will ultimately secure tickets to the expanded 48-team World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

For Chelle and his men, the mission is clear: overcome adversity, silence the Leopards, and bring Nigeria back to the global stage. Ndidi’s suspension may be a setback, but the Super Eagles know that destiny still lies in their hands.