Chelle, however, assured Super Eagles fans that he and his technical crew will manage the situation well.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has admitted that his team will miss Wilfred Ndidi during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
He made this known recently while speaking with thenff.com ahead of the clash.
Ndidi was booked in the sixth minute of Nigeria’s 4–1 victory over Gabon in Rabat on Thursday night.
It was the Beşiktaş midfielder’s second booking in the qualifying series.
Brentford midfielder, Frank Onyeka, is expected to replace him in the starting line-up against the DR Congo.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Chelle said Ndidi’s absence will be felt by the Super Eagles.
ALSO READ: Chelle warns Super Eagles ahead of World Cup playoff final against DR Congo
The Malian tactician went on to assure Nigerians that he and his crew 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,” Chelle said.
Also commenting on the suspension, the defensive midfielder’s teammate, Chidozie Awaziem, noted that his absence is a significant blow to the Nigerian team.
The defender, however, expressed confidence in the squad’s depth and mentality.
Speaking to journalists in Rabat, Awaziem said, “We’re definitely going to miss him [Ndidi]. But we have other players as well who can play the same position and who are good.
“We trust everyone. The coach trusts everyone, everyone’s ability, and I just hope that whoever comes in the position of Wilfred is going to try to do better than him or try to give it all so that the team can come out with a victory.”
