Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has accused the DR Congo team of engaging in “voodoo” practices during the penalty shootout of Sunday’s African World Cup playoff final in Rabat, Morocco.
Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing 4-3 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw after extra time. Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi all missed their spot-kicks, while Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive penalty to send DR Congo into the inter-confederation playoffs.
Emotions boiled over at full-time as Chelle confronted members of the DR Congo bench. He had to be restrained as tempers flared, with security personnel stepping in to prevent the situation from escalating into a full brawl.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Chelle alleged that DR Congo’s technical team used “voodoo” during the shootout.
“During all the penalty sessions, the DR Congo did some voodoo. Every time. Every time,” the Franco-Malian coach claimed. “That was why I was a bit nervous.”
