Nigeria’s exit from the CAF World Cup playoff took an unexpected twist on Sunday night after Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle accused a member of the DR Congo technical crew of engaging in acts he described as “voodoo” during the decisive penalty shootout.
Speaking moments after Nigeria’s 4–3 defeat on penalties, Chelle said he became visibly agitated when he allegedly observed a Congolese staff member performing “suspicious actions” before Super Eagles spot kicks.
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According to him, the gestures unsettled his players at critical moments of the shootout.
Nigeria missed three of their six attempts, with Semi Ajayi’s effort the final kick saved to hand DR Congo the ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Chelle stated that the alleged conduct from the opposing bench “shifted the energy” of the shootout, prompting him to confront the individual involved immediately after the final kick.
The confrontation escalated briefly before coaches and officials intervened.
Super Eagles assistants Fidelis Ilechukwu and Daniel Ogunmodede were quick to restrain Chelle, preventing the altercation from worsening, while members of the DR Congo bench also moved in to diffuse tensions on the pitch.
Addressing journalists afterwards, Chelle defended his reaction, insisting he acted to protect the integrity of the contest.
“During all the penalties, the guy from DR Congo did some voodoo,” he said.
Nigeria and DR Congo had earlier played out a 1–1 draw in regulation time before the Congolese prevailed in the shootout to secure their World Cup berth.
The defeat brings an end to Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
