Nigeria football coach has accused the Democratic Republic of Congo of practising “voodoo” following his team’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup qualification after a penalty shootout defeat.
In a storm of disbelief and dripping rain, Nigeria’s coach, Éric Chelle, pointed a surreal finger at DR Congo and its alleged “voodoo” – after his side’s dramatic shoot-out exit.
The showdown in Rabat ended 1-1 after extra time. Then came penalties. DR Congo edged Nigeria 4-3.
“During all the penalties, the guy from DR Congo did some voodoo.”
Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle explains why tempers flared between him and the DR Congo staff at the end of the World Cup playoff final. pic.twitter.com/nMyTIcqlTT
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Witching hour
Nigeria, ranked 19 places above DR Congo, was the bookmakers’ pick until the witching hour.
Moments later, Chelle stormed towards the DR Congo bench. Staff had to hold him back. Emotions boiled beyond tactics and stats.
For Nigeria, missing back-to-back World Cups is unthinkable.
The Super Eagles, for the first time, have failed to qualify for the second World Cup in a row since their debut in 1994.
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DR Congo, meanwhile, take a deep breath and march on. They head into the inter-confederation play-offs, one step closer to the global stage.
For Chelle, the “voodoo” claim may spark everything from serious backlash to funny whispers of magic in sport.
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