Wilfred Ndidi play-off uncertainty grows as the Super Eagles captain insists Nigeria will stay ready while FIFA delays ruling on the World Cup play-off petition

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has said the Nigerian national team will remain fully prepared to make the country proud despite the growing Wilfred Ndidi play-off uncertainty surrounding their chances of competing in the intercontinental qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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Ndidi spoke in Lagos on Thursday as Nigeria continues to await a ruling from FIFA on a petition submitted by the Nigeria Football Federation challenging the advancement of DR Congo national football team to the intercontinental play-off.

The Super Eagles initially failed to secure automatic qualification for the expanded tournament, which will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Nigeria also lost 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo in the African play-off final last November, a result that appeared to end the team’s qualification hopes.

However, the NFF later lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, alleging the improper switch of nationality by certain Congolese players.

The petition has been under review since December 2025, yet a decision has not been delivered with just 20 days remaining before the intercontinental play-off tournament.

Amid the prolonged wait, Ndidi said the players have chosen to focus on preparation rather than speculation.

“To be honest, I don’t really focus on things I cannot control. We just concentrate on our football and prepare ourselves the best way possible,” Ndidi said.

The Leicester City midfielder acknowledged that clarity would benefit the squad but stressed confidence in the federation’s handling of the situation.

“Of course, everyone wants clarity, but we trust the Nigeria Football Federation and the authorities to handle everything properly,” Ndidi added.

“As players, our job is to stay ready, stay united and keep working hard. Nigerian fans always expect the best from us, and we respect that. Whatever the outcome, we will continue to give everything for the country and make Nigeria proud.”

The intercontinental play-off competition is scheduled to take place from March 26 to March 31 in Guadalajara and Monterrey, both in Mexico. Six countries will compete for the final two qualification spots at the 2026 World Cup.

DR Congo have been drawn to face the winner of a tie between Jamaica national football team and New Caledonia national football team, although a favourable FIFA ruling for Nigeria could significantly alter the tournament fixtures.

Meanwhile, the NFF has scheduled a four-nation invitational tournament for the Super Eagles during the March international window. Nigeria are expected to face the Iran national football team on March 27 before taking on the Jordan national football team on March 31 in Amman.

The proposed fixtures, however, may be affected by ongoing tensions in the Middle East, raising fresh uncertainty over the tournament’s feasibility.

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The 2026 World Cup, set to run from June 11 to July 19, will mark a historic expansion of the competition to 48 teams, a powerful shift expected to reshape global football qualification pathways.