Nigeria Coach Claims ‘Voodoo’ Influenced Team’s World Cup Playoff Defeat

Nigeria’s head coach, Éric Chelle, has alleged that a member of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s team engaged in “voodoo” practices during the tense World Cup playoff clash that ended the Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching the 2026 tournament.

Nigeria and DR Congo battled to a 1-1 draw after extra time in Sunday’s African playoff final in Rabat, before the Congolese triumphed 4-3 on penalties to move into the inter-confederation playoffs scheduled for March in Mexico.

Speaking to journalists after the match, Chelle claimed he repeatedly saw a DR Congo official making suspicious gestures on the sidelines.

“A DR Congo member did some voodoo, every time, every time, every time,” Chelle said, using hand motions to illustrate what he believed was being sprinkled or shaken. “I don’t know if it was water or something else. That is why I was a bit nervous.”

Chelle, who remains unbeaten in regular-time competitive matches since assuming leadership of the Super Eagles, recording four wins and two draws, had earlier described the match in Morocco as a tough challenge.

The dramatic penalty shootout saw four saves and one miss, with DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba eventually sealing victory amid heavy rain and a bottle hurled in his direction.

The defeat means Nigeria will miss the World Cup for the second consecutive edition, something that last happened before their debut appearance in 1994. Ranked 19 places above DR Congo, the Super Eagles entered the match as favourites.

Frank Onyeka put Nigeria ahead in the 3rd minute before Mechak Elia levelled for the Leopards in the 32nd minute. Both sides created chances, with Nigeria’s Tolu Arokodare going close and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali making key saves.

Despite Nwabali stopping two penalties in the shootout, misses from Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi proved costly. Mbemba stepped up to convert the decisive spot kick, sending DR Congo into the intercontinental playoffs as they seek their first World Cup appearance since 1974, when the country competed as Zaire.