Chelle Claims DR Congo Staff Used ‘Strange Rituals’ During Penalty Shootout

Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has shed light on the tense exchange that erupted between him and members of the DR Congo technical crew following the World Cup playoff final.

Speaking after the encounter, Chelle said the clash stemmed from what he perceived as strange behavior by a DR Congo official during the penalty shootout. According to him, the individual repeatedly engaged in actions he found unsettling and inappropriate.

Chelle alleged that the man appeared to be performing ritual-like gestures throughout the penalty decisions. “During all the penalties, the guy from Congo was doing some kind of voodoo… every time,” he claimed. “That’s why I reacted the way I did.”

Pressed further on what he witnessed, the coach explained that the official seemed to be sprinkling or throwing liquid while making hand movements. “I don’t really know what it was. It looked like water or something,” Chelle said, illustrating with a raised hand.

The situation sparked a momentary confrontation on the sidelines before match officials stepped in to diffuse the tension and restore order.