DR Congo used ‘voodoo’ to defeat Nigeria in W/Cup playoff – Chelle

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has attributed Nigeria’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier African Playoff Tournament to alleged “voodoo” practices by the Democratic Republic of Congo during Sunday’s penalty shootout. Nigeria were held to a 1–1 draw after regulation and extra time, before losing on penalties to DR Congo, who advanced […]

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has attributed Nigeria’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier African Playoff Tournament to alleged “voodoo” practices by the Democratic Republic of Congo during Sunday’s penalty shootout.

Nigeria were held to a 1–1 draw after regulation and extra time, before losing on penalties to DR Congo, who advanced to the intercontinental playoffs and ended the Super Eagles’ hopes of appearing at next year’s World Cup.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Chelle claimed members of DR Congo’s technical bench engaged in rituals during the shootout, saying the actions unsettled him.

“During the penalty session, the DR Congo did some voodoo every time, so this is why I was a little nervous. The Congolese bench was sprinkling something that looked like water,” Chelle said.

His comments immediately sparked reactions online, with many football fans dismissing the claim and mocking the coach for resorting to superstition.

Some users defended DR Congo, arguing that Nigeria should not complain about alleged occult practices. A South African user on X, Didier-Sixte Kahungu, wrote: “Nigeria is known for juju, they just mad they met bigger than theirs.”

Another user with the handle @CongoMnHeritage added: “Coach, now you can realize how our spiritual gurus are more powerful than yours in 9JA.”

Others faulted Chelle for shifting blame instead of accepting responsibility for the loss.
A Nigerian football enthusiast, Maazi Chinualumogu, criticised the coach’s post-match remarks:
“Eric Chelle blaming ‘voodoo’ from the Congolese bench instead of owning his tactics? Weak. We scored early, then parked the bus with zero ideas for 90+ minutes. No width, no midfield control, no Plan B. Congo pressed smarter, substituted better, and buried their kicks while Bassey, Simon, and Ajayi missed theirs.”

He urged the team to move on and focus on preparations for next month’s AFCON in Morocco:
“Shame on this coach for this clownery. Time to sack the excuses and get a manager who builds winners, not witch hunts.”

Despite the controversy, neither the DR Congo delegation nor match officials have commented on Chelle’s allegation.