Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has said the team will miss Wilfred Ndidi in their 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs final with the Democratic Republic of Congo, DAILY POST reports.

Ndidi was booked in the sixth minute of Nigeria’s 4–1 victory over the Panthers of Gabon in Rabat on Thursday night.

It was the defensive midfielder’s second booking in the qualifying series.

Chelle, however, said they will manage the situation well.

“Ndidi is an important player for us. His experience, ability and leadership on the pitch are important for this team. But we will manage the situation. We have a large squad of players and we will make changes,” he told thenff.com.

Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka is expected to take Ndidi’s place in the starting line-up against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

2026 WCQ playoffs: Chelle laments Ndidi’s absence for crucial Congo clash