Big blow: Player with 7.5 rating against Gabon to miss Super Eagles’ game against DR Congo

Ola Aina, Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, Boniface Victor, Alex Iwobi and Onyemaechi Bruno of Nigeria Super Eagles (Photo by Imago)

The Super Eagles star was one of the best players on the pitch against Gabon….

Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is ineligible to play for Nigeria in their upcoming game against DR Congo on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Ndidi was one of Nigeria’s best players in their 4-1 bashing of Gabon in the semifinals of the CAF World Cup playoffs.

He ran the midfield with aplomb and even got the beautiful assist for Chidera Ejuke’s goal, which gave the Super Eagles the upperhand in extra time.

It was clearly Ndidi’s best game for Nigeria in a while, and his performance earned him a 7.5 rating from Soccernet.ng.

The only chink in his armour was the yellow card he conceded in the 6th minute. And it was from a tactical foul. Kudos to him though, because Nigeria could have conceded from that situation.

Soccer Why Is Wilfred Ineligible For The Game Against DR Congo?

Unfortunately for him, that yellow card means that he will have to sit out the game against DR Congo in the final of the CAF World Cup playoffs on Sunday.

SUSPENSION ALERT!

With Wilfred Ndidi’s yellow card in today’s game, he has now picked up his second caution of the #2026WCQ campaign and will miss Sunday’s final against either Cameroon or Congo DR.

Raphael Onyedika ball finally about to happen.#NGAGAB pic.twitter.com/zwBWOiapil

— Fisayo Dairo (@FisayoDairo) November 13, 2025

According to the rules of the World Cup Qualifiers, any player who gets two yellow cards will be suspended for one game. And before the Gabon game, Ndidi already got one yellow card in Nigeria’s game against Rwanda in March this year.

If he plays for the Super Eagles against DR Congo, Nigeria will be fined, and the game will be deemed as forfeited in favour of the Leopards, similar to what happened to South Africa.

Soccer Victor Osimhen: A Big Risk For The Super Eagles

After struggling to score in the regular 90 minutes, Victor Osimhen scored a brace for Nigeria in extra time.

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But after his second goal, he took off his shirt, which earned him a yellow card from referee Tom Abongile.

The Super Eagles star is still available to play against DR Congo though, but if he gets another yellow card on Sunday, he will be ineligible for the final of the Intercontinental playoffs next year, if Nigeria qualify.

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically-driven stories.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he is fueled by a profound dedication to sports journalism and the beautiful game. His insights have previously been featured in respected outlets, including IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, and Sportspremi.
Away from work, Kelvin is an avid fan of basketball, enjoys a great movie, and is always discovering new music.