Nigeria captain Wilfred Ndidi has remained confident Nigeria will still play in the 2026 FIFA World Playoff ahead of the tournament set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Super Eagles lodged a case with World governing body FIFA contesting DR Congo’s qualification for fielding ineligible players during their penalty shootout victory over the Super Eagles in the continental play-off final.

However, on Tuesday, FIFA confirmed DR Congo as Africa’s representative in the intercontinental play-off tournament, and by doing so dashing Nigeria’s slim hopes of playing in the tournament.

FIFA lists DR Congo among six nations

In an official tournament notice issued to media partners, FIFA listed DR Congo among the six countries that will compete for the final two available spots at the expanded 2026 World Cup.

Despite DR Congo being cleared by FIFA, Ndidi has insisted the Super Eagles have not given up and will continue with their preparations for the Playoff.

‘Of course, everyone wants clarity’

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

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

“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 six nations confirmed for the tournament include Bolivia, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname. The play-off matches will be held from 26 to 31 March 2026 in the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey.

Wilfred Ndidi Sends Strong Message on Nigeria’s World Cup Dream

Nigeria captain Wilfred Ndidi has expressed confidence that the Super Eagles will continue fighting for a chance to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite recent developments surrounding the intercontinental playoff tournament.

The midfielder shared his thoughts after FIFA confirmed that DR Congo would represent Africa in the intercontinental playoff competition. The announcement effectively ended Nigeria’s hopes of securing a place in the tournament through a disciplinary ruling.

However, Wilfred Ndidi insisted that the Nigerian national team remains focused and determined regardless of the situation.

FIFA confirms DR Congo for playoff tournament

The Super Eagles had previously lodged a formal complaint with world football governing body FIFA, challenging DR Congo’s qualification for the playoff tournament.

Nigeria argued that DR Congo had fielded ineligible players during their victory over the Super Eagles in the continental playoff final, which was decided through a penalty shootout.

The Nigerian Football Federation hoped the complaint could lead to a review of the result and possibly open the door for Nigeria to replace DR Congo in the intercontinental playoff.

Despite the appeal, FIFA confirmed on Tuesday that DR Congo would retain their place in the competition.

Six nations set to compete for World Cup spots

In an official notice issued to media partners, FIFA listed the six nations that will compete in the intercontinental playoff tournament.

The teams confirmed for the event include Bolivia, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia, and Suriname.

These countries will compete for the final two available places at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The playoff tournament is scheduled to take place from 26 to 31 March 2026 in the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey.

Wilfred Ndidi remains focused on football

Despite the disappointment of FIFA’s decision, Wilfred Ndidi emphasized that the team must focus on what they can control.

Speaking in comments reported by Pulse Sports, the Nigerian captain said the players remain committed to preparing themselves for future challenges.

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

The Leicester City midfielder added that while the situation has created uncertainty, the players trust the Nigeria Football Federation and the relevant authorities to manage the issue properly.

Nigeria players stay united

According to Wilfred Ndidi, unity within the squad remains one of the team’s biggest strengths.

He explained that the players understand the expectations placed on them by millions of Nigerian supporters and remain determined to represent the country with pride.

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

“As players, our job is to stay ready, stay united, and keep working hard.”

The experienced midfielder added that the squad remains motivated to deliver strong performances whenever they represent Nigeria on the international stage.

Ndidi highlights importance of fans

The Nigerian captain also acknowledged the important role fans play in supporting the national team.

According to Wilfred Ndidi, Nigerian supporters always expect the best from the Super Eagles, and the players are determined to meet those expectations.

“Nigerian fans always expect the best from us, and we respect that,” he said.

“Whatever the outcome, we will continue to give everything for the country and make Nigeria proud.”

Looking ahead for the Super Eagles

Although the FIFA decision represents a setback, Wilfred Ndidi and his teammates remain focused on the future.

The Super Eagles continue to be one of Africa’s most successful national teams and will aim to rebuild momentum as they prepare for upcoming international competitions.

The squad’s commitment, experience, and talent give Nigerian supporters hope that the team can continue competing at the highest level of international football.

For Wilfred Ndidi, the message is clear: the Super Eagles will keep working hard and remain ready for any opportunity that may arise on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.