Eric Chelle Claims DR Congo Used “Voodoo” During Penalty Shootout That Eliminated Nigeria From 2026 World Cup
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has alleged that the Democratic Republic of Congo used “voodoo” during the penalty shootout that knocked Nigeria out of the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff final in Morocco.
Chelle spoke to reporters on Sunday after Nigeria’s 1–1 draw with DR Congo, which went to penalties. Nigeria took an early lead in the third minute through Frank Onyeka’s deflected strike, but Meschak Elia equalized later in the first half. With neither team scoring in extra time, DR Congo clinched victory in the shootout.
Tensions flared after Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive penalty, prompting Chelle to storm the DR Congo technical area and confront staff, including head coach Sébastien Desabre, before being restrained by Nigerian officials. Desabre later downplayed the incident, describing it as “not an issue.”
Chelle, however, maintained that members of the Congolese bench engaged in ritualistic actions during the penalties. “During all the penalty sessions, the guy from Congo did some voodoo,” Chelle said. “Every time, so this is why I was a little nervous after him.”
Asked to clarify, he added: “Yeah, something like, I don’t know if it’s water or something like that [he was spraying it up].”
The loss continues Nigeria’s World Cup struggles. The Super Eagles also missed the 2022 tournament, marking the first time they have failed to qualify for consecutive World Cups since their debut in 1994.
