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Super Eagles to Face DR Congo Without Ndidi in World Cup Qualifying Play-Off Final

Posted : 14 November 2025

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face DR Congo in the decisive World Cup Qualifying Play-Off final this Sunday, 16 November 2025, without their influential deputy captain, Wilfred Ndidi.

The midfielder received his second yellow card in Thursday’s qualifying semi-final on 13 November, as Nigeria secured a third consecutive win, defeating Gabon 4-1 after extra time.

The match saw Akor Adams break the deadlock in the 78th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error to put Eric Chelle’s team on course to win in regulation time. However, Gabon equalized in the 89th minute through Mario Lemina, a former Southampton, Fulham, and Wolves player, whose deflected shot found the back of the net.

In extra time, Nigeria’s class shone through. Chidera Ejuke scored early in the first extra-time period, and Victor Osimhen added a brace in stoppage time, making up for a missed guilt-edged opportunity to secure the win.

Nigeria will remain in Rabat, Morocco, to face DR Congo in the play-off final, keeping their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup alive.

Ndidi’s yellow card in the sixth minute for an alleged foul on Gabon striker Denis Bouanga triggered his automatic one-match suspension, as it was his second booking during World Cup qualification. Consequently, he will be unavailable for Nigeria’s weekend clash against DR Congo.

Frank Onyeka is the likely replacement for Ndidi, who captained the team against Gabon, though coach Eric Chelle may also consider Raphael Onyedika. Onyeka will need to be cautious, having received a yellow card in the semi-final.

Under World Cup qualification rules, any player receiving two yellow cards in separate matches is automatically suspended for the next fixture. Yellow cards are only cleared before the World Cup itself.

Victor Osimhen, Frank Onyeka, and backup goalkeeper Amas Obasogie each have one yellow card, while Bruno Onyemaechi, Tolu Arokodare, Stanley Nwabali, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey were booked during the first-round group phase.

If any of these eight players are booked in Sunday’s final, they will miss the first match of the inter-confederation play-off in March 2026, should Nigeria qualify.

 

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