Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has alleged that DR Congo engaged in “voodoo” practices during their penalty shootout victory over Nigeria on Sunday in the CAF World Cup playoffs final, Bold Sports reports.
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup were dashed after a dramatic contest that ended 4-3 in favour of DR Congo on penalties, sending the Leopards into the Inter-confederation play-offs scheduled for March.
The Super Eagles made the perfect start, taking the lead inside three minutes when Frank Onyeka’s strike took a deflection and beat goalkeeper Mpasi-Nzau. DR Congo, however, responded strongly and equalised in the 32nd minute through Meschack Elia, forcing the match into extra time and eventually a tense shootout.
DR Congo’s substitute goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu, introduced in extra time, proved decisive as he saved two Nigerian penalties to help his team clinch the win.
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After Chancel Mbemba converted the final spot kick, tensions boiled over as Chelle confronted members of DR Congo’s staff, including head coach Sébastien Desabre. He was eventually pulled away by Nigeria’s backroom team.
Walking through the media mixed zone after the game, Chelle explained the reason behind his furious reaction: “During the penalty shootout, they did some voodoo. This is why I was a little angry,” he said.
With the victory, DR Congo will now represent Africa in the Inter-confederation playoffs, where they have a chance to increase the continent’s representatives at the 2026 World Cup to 10, should they secure success on the global stage.
For Nigeria, the defeat means they will miss the World Cup for the second consecutive time, with their last appearance coming at the 2018 edition in Russia.
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