By Abiola Olawale
The heartbreak of the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualification exit has spiralled into a bizarre controversy, with head coach Eric Chelle leveling an accusation of ‘voodoo’ use by a member of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) technical staff during Sunday’s penalty shootout.
The claim follows Nigeria’s defeat to the Leopards of DR Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African Playoff Final in Rabat, which ended 1-1 after extra time.
Addressing the journalists after the loss, Chelle said he reacted out of frustration after witnessing repeated gestures from a member of DR Congo’s technical area during the video assistant referee review for a penalty incident.
“During all the penalty decisions, a guy from Congo did some voodoo… Every time, every time, every time. So this is why I was a little nervous after him,” he said.
When asked to explain what he saw, Chelle added while gesturing: “Something like that. I don’t know if it’s water or something like that.”
The New Diplomat reports that Nigeria crashed out of the World Cup qualification race on Sunday.
The Super Eagles, during the match against DR Congo, had taken an early lead through Frank Onyeka in the third minute.
But, M. Elia drew DR Congo level in the 32nd minute.
Both sides created chances in extra time but neither team found a winner.
DR Congo went on to win the penalty shootout, sending them into the intercontinental playoff for a chance to secure one of the remaining tickets to the expanded 48-team World Cup scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
