Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem has admitted that Nigeria will feel the absence of Wilfred Ndidi in the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff final against DR Congo — but insists there are capable alternatives in midfield.
Ndidi picked up an early yellow card in Nigeria’s 4–1 extra-time win over Gabon, which automatically ruled him out of the crucial clash with DR Congo. Despite that setback, he was influential in the semis delivering a defence-splitting pass to Victor Osimhen, albeit one that was not converted, and then assisting Chidera Ejuke in extra-time to put Nigeria ahead.
Speaking to the Super Eagles media team, Awaziem said: “We will definitely going to miss him but we have other players who can play the same position and who are as good as well. The coach trusts everyone’s ability … I just hope that whoever comes into the position will try to do better than him so that the team can come up with the victory which is the most important.”
Awaziem came on in the second half of extra-time against Gabon and provided the assist for Nigeria’s fourth goal. Reflecting on his contribution, he said: “It was an amazing performance for the team not just for me … I’m really happy we got the win which we deserve, now we just focus on the next game on Sunday.”
Also celebrating the victory was Chidera Ejuke, who scored Nigeria’s second goal. He described the team’s effort as “incredible” and highlighted how much he wanted to contribute both offensively and defensively.
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Editorial
In the unforgiving theatre of World Cup qualification, few moments carry the weight of a suspension as much as this. Chidozie Awaziem’s candid admission “we will definitely going to miss” Wilfred Ndidi is not just a reflection of tactical loss, but a profound psychological blow to the Super Eagles.
Ndidi, in his prime, does more than sit in front of the backline: he marshals, protects, and disciplines. His absence in the final against DR Congo is not merely about one player missing, but about a vital axis being removed from the spine of the team. To call him “important,” as head coach Éric Chelle has, feels diplomatically insufficient. He is structural.
Yet, in this fragility lies a telling confidence. Awaziem’s assertion that there are “other players … as good as well” suggests a collective belief in depth, a testament to Chelle’s broader building of a squad. It is not an act of desperation it is a statement of faith. And that faith must now be tested under the brightest spotlight.
Awaziem’s own cameo stepping in during extra-time and delivering an assist was part of more than just personal redemption. It was emblematic of a team united in ambition. This is not a side derailed it is a side reshaping itself through adversity.
But football does not forgive evenly. The loss of Ndidi places enormous pressure on those stepping in. The replacements must not simply plug the gap they must elevate the game to the standard he set. And they must do so under the glare of expectation and history.
If Nigeria is to take the next step, it will need more than tactical balance. It will need resilience, imagination, and above all, leadership from unexpected quarters. The journey to the 2026 World Cup may very well be defined not by who is missing, but by who rises when the team needs them most.
Did You Know?
- Ndidi’s Discipline Record: Wilfred Ndidi is known for his tough tackling and defensive discipline but throughout his career, his strong tackling has often put him at risk of yellow cards in crucial games.
- Awaziem’s International Experience: Chidozie Awaziem has played for Nigeria since his youth days, featuring heavily in the U-20 and U-23 teams before becoming a senior squad regular.
- Key Midfield Alternatives: Apart from Ndidi, the Super Eagles have midfielders like Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka, both of whom have been considered to fill in during major matches.
- Chelle’s Recent Form: Head coach Éric Chelle had gone unbeaten in his first five competitive matches in charge of Nigeria before the DR Congo final.
- Historic Stakes: The playoff final against DR Congo will decide whether Nigeria advances to an intercontinental playoff, putting them one step away from qualification for the expanded 2026 World Cup.
