Éric Chelle’s Super Eagles lost their 2026 intercontinental World Cup playoff ticket to DR Congo after a penalty shootout defeat….
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has claimed that a DR Congo official engaged in “voodoo” rituals throughout the penalty shootout of Sunday’s CAF World Cup playoff final, Soccernet.ng reports.
During the Super Eagles’ clash against the Leopards, this sparked a heated confrontation that erupted between Chelle and the Congo DR’s staff member at full-time.
Nigeria lost 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes in Rabat. This defeat ended the Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching next year’s intercontinental playoffs.
But the on-pitch drama was followed by tense scenes on the touchline, with Chelle visibly furious as both benches clashed moments after the decisive kick.
Speaking after the match, the Nigerian head coach revealed that his anger stemmed from what he interpreted as ritualistic acts performed repeatedly by a DR Congo staff member during the shootout.
Real Reason for Éric Chelle’s Frustration With DR Congo Staff Member
Chelle explained that he became upset after noticing a DR Congo official making suspicious hand movements and pouring an unknown substance during each Nigerian penalty attempt.
“During the penalty session, a guy of Congo did some voodoo. Every time, every time, every time,” Chelle said to ESPN Africa. “So, this is why I was a little bit nervous after him.”
When asked what exactly he saw, the Super Eagles boss replied:
“Something like—” he gestured with his hands—“I don’t know if it’s water or something like that.”
Watch Eric Chelle’s reaction here:
“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
— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) November 17, 2025
Chelle said the repeated actions distracted his players and contributed to his angry reaction after the shootout ended.
Officials from both teams had to separate the two benches before order was restored.
Nigeria vs DR Congo: Match Report
Nigeria took an early lead through Frank Onyeka but allowed DR Congo back into the game, with Meschack Elia equalising in the 32nd minute.
The Leopards dominated the second half and extra time, forcing Nwabali into several saves before the match went to penalties.
Both sides missed early spot-kicks, but DR Congo held their nerve in sudden death, with Chancel Mbemba scoring the decisive kick after Semi Ajayi’s miss, sending the Leopards to the FIFA intercontinental playoffs.