In a shocking post-match revelation, Nigeria’s football coach Eric Chelle has accused the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) of engaging in “voodoo” practices following his team’s heartbreaking exit from the 2026 World Cup qualification. The Super Eagles faced a penalty shootout defeat after a tense 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time during the African play-offs final this past Sunday.
Chelle, reflecting on his team’s performance, pointed out unusual behavior he observed from the DR Congo bench. “A member of the DR Congo team did some voodoo, every time I felt nervous,” Chelle stated. The former Mali international, who has led the Super Eagles to four wins and two draws in competitive matches, emphasized his discomfort by using hand gestures, claiming to witness a member of the Congolese side mimicking the act of sprinkling something.
The aftermath of the match was not just about missed opportunities; it also highlighted dramatic moments in the shootout. With four penalties saved and another missed, DR Congo’s captain Chancel Mbemba overcame the turmoil of a thrown bottle and pouring rain to score the decisive penalty that propelled his team into the inter-confederation playoffs set to take place in Mexico next March.
Nigeria, ranked significantly higher than DR Congo, had entered the match as favorites. This loss marks a disappointing continuation of their struggle, as the Super Eagles have now failed to qualify for the World Cup for the second consecutive time—a notable decline for a nation that has been a regular participant since their debut in 1994.
The match saw Nigeria take the lead early, with Frank Onyeka scoring in the 3rd minute. However, DR Congo quickly equalized through Mechak Elia in the 32nd minute. Both teams had opportunities to secure the win, with standout performances from goalkeeper Olakunle Nwabali, who saved two penalty kicks but was ultimately unable to prevent the crucial misses from teammates Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, and Semi Ajayi.
DR Congo’s victory is historic, as it marks only their second significant advancement in World Cup history since their sole appearance in 1974, when they were known as Zaire. As the Super Eagles reflect on their missed chances, Chelle’s allegations serve to underscore the intense pressures and tensions surrounding high-stakes international football.
