Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle says his team will cope with the absence of Wilfred Ndidi against Democratic Republic of Congo, reports Completesports.com.
Nigeria will take on the Leopards in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex, Rabat on Sunday.
Ndidi, who collected a second yellow card in the series in Thursday’s trouncing of Gabon will sit out the game due to suspension.
The Besiktas star was first booked in the qualifiers against Amavubi of Rwanda in Kigali in March.
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Chelle On Ndidi
Chelle insists he has a capable replacement for the former Leicester City player.
“Ndidi is an important player for us. His experience, ability and leadership on the pitch are important for this team,” Chelle told thenff.com.
“But we will manage the situation. We have a large squad of players and we will make changes.
“Ndidi is still here with us and will support the team mentally and with his presence.”
By Adeboye Amosu
3 Comments
WE HAVE MORE THAN ENOUGH QUALITY DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDERS.
AND IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR OTHER DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDERS TO SHOWCASE THEIR QUALITY ON THE FIELD OF PLAY AS AFCON PROVISIONAL LIST IS GETTING CLOSER.
Some one like Onyedika has enough quality to match that Ndidi’s . I pray he steps up and do well.
CAF have just stated that Ndidi is eligible to play in tomorrow’s match against Dr Congo in the playoffs final. CAF says Cards accumulated in the group qualifiers do not count in the playoffs- So for Ndidi and Osimhen, only the cards received in the game against Gabon in the semi-final playoffs counts.
In any case Onyedika could be a better option as he progresses the ball forward more than Ndidi, although the latter’s experience will always count in his favour.