Victor Osimhen, Calvin Bassey, and six other key Super Eagles players face possible suspension ahead of Nigeria’s potential inter-confederation playoff in March 2026.
Nigeria booked their place in the final after a commanding 4-1 win over Gabon in Thursday’s second-round semi-final. While the team celebrates, caution is needed as yellow cards from qualifying matches remain valid until just before the World Cup.
FIFA rules state that any player who accumulates two yellow cards across different matches automatically misses the next game. Currently, Frank Onyeka, goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, and Victor Osimhen who was booked for removing his shirt during a goal celebration each have one yellow card.
Additionally, Stanley Nwabali, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Tolu Arokodare, and Bruno Onyemaechi are carrying yellow cards from the first-round group stage.
If any of the eight players receive another booking in Sunday’s final, they will be suspended for Nigeria’s opening match of the inter-confederation playoffs in March 2026, should the Super Eagles qualify.
Nigeria now faces DR Congo in a high-stakes final as the team aims to secure a place in the next stage of World Cup qualification.