Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has alleged that a member of the DR Congo technical staff engaged in what he described as “voodoo” during the penalty shootout of Sunday’s World Cup playoff in Rabat, where the Super Eagles were eliminated from the race to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The term “voodoo” is often used sometimes inaccurately to refer to various traditional spiritual or ritual practices. In sports, it is commonly invoked when players or coaches believe opponents are attempting to influence a match through supernatural means rather than tactics or ability.
Nigeria lost 4–3 on penalties after the match ended 1–1 across 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The defeat means the Super Eagles will miss the World Cup for a second consecutive cycle.
In a video posted by ESPN Africa on X on Monday, Chelle told journalists that he became agitated after observing a DR Congo official repeatedly making gestures during VAR’s review of a penalty incident.
“During all the penalty decision, a guy of Congo did some voodoo… Every time, every time, every time. So this is why I was a little nervous after him,”
— Eric Chelle
When pressed to clarify what he saw, Chelle gestured with his hands and added:
“Something like that. I don’t know if it’s water or something like that.”
The allegation has not been independently verified.
Nigeria had taken the lead just three minutes into the match through Frank Onyeka, before M. Elia equalised for DR Congo in the 32nd minute. Both sides had opportunities in extra time but failed to score.
The penalty shootout was tense and unpredictable. Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon missed early kicks, while goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved DR Congo’s first attempt. Akor Adams converted his effort to keep Nigeria alive, but DR Congo eventually sealed victory with their fourth successful penalty.
The win sends DR Congo into the intercontinental playoff, where they will compete for a spot at the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Nigeria had reached the final after a dramatic 4–1 extra-time win over Gabon in Thursday’s semi-final, while DR Congo advanced by defeating Cameroon 1–0.
With the loss, the Leopards continue their qualification campaign, while the Super Eagles’ hopes end in heartbreak in Rabat.
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