Nigeria’s men’s national team head coach, Eric Chelle, has alleged that a member of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s technical staff engaged in “voodoo” practices during the penalty shootout that sent the Super Eagles crashing out of contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
DR Congo defeated Nigeria on penalties after their CAF World Cup Playoff Final ended 1–1 following regulation time and extra time.
Leopards captain Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive spot-kick to seal Congo’s place in the Intercontinental Playoff tournament.
Speaking to the press after the defeat, Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong said the players were “devastated” by the result.
Chelle, however, drew attention for comments he made during his post-match briefing, claiming he confronted a member of DR Congo’s technical team on the touchline because he believed the individual was attempting to influence the shootout through supernatural means.
“During the penalty session, a guy from Congo did some voodoo every time, every time… so this is why I was a little nervous after him,” Chelle told reporters.
Video circulating online shows Chelle engaging in a brief altercation near the sidelines during the shootout, though officials have not commented on the incident. DR Congo’s football federation has also not publicly responded to the allegations.
The loss means Nigeria will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup, prompting widespread disappointment among fans and players alike.
Scroll below to watch the interview and footage of Chelle confronting members of DR Congo’s technical team.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
