The Super Eagles media team announced that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has clarified its disciplinary rules, confirming that yellow cards accumulated during the World Cup qualifying series do not carry over into the playoff round—unless a suspension had already been triggered.
Ndidi had picked up bookings in Nigeria’s 2–0 victory over Rwanda in March 2025 and again in the playoff semifinal win against Gabon, prompting the technical crew to initially rule him out of the decisive fixture.
CAF’s explanation means the Beşiktaş midfielder is now cleared for selection, offering significant relief to head coach Eric Chelle, who had believed the player was unavailable due to card accumulation.
Ndidi is now expected to make his 71st international appearance when Nigeria face the Leopards in Rabat on Sunday.
He is one of three players in the squad with previous World Cup experience, alongside William Troost-Ekong and Alex Iwobi. Chidozie Awaziem, also in the squad, was part of the 2018 World Cup team but did not feature in any match during the tournament.