South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Gayton McKenzie, has called for Nigeria to face disciplinary action following Eric Chelle’s post-match confrontation with members of DR Congo’s technical team during a dramatic 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff final in Rabat, Soccernet.ng reports.
Chelle, head coach of the Super Eagles, was visibly furious after Nigeria’s elimination by DR Congo in Sunday’s tense penalty shootout.
The match ended 1-1 after extra time before the Congolese prevailed 4-3 on spot-kicks ending Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup and keeping Congo DR one victory away from qualification.
But it was Chelle’s behaviour moments after the final whistle that has ignited a new wave of controversy.
As the shootout concluded, Chelle stormed toward the DR Congo technical area, appearing to confront an individual he believed was performing ‘voodoo’ near the touchline. The Franco-Malian was swiftly restrained by match officials and DR Congo staff.
Speaking afterwards, Chelle insisted that emotions got the better of him.
“Football is all about emotions. After the match, I reacted hotly to an altercation with a member of the DRC staff trying to come into my technical area,” he wrote on Instagram.
“I have never wanted to target the Congolese people or their staff, which I respect. Disappointed in our elimination but proud of my players. Congratulation Congo which was the best. Their audience showed great fervor, just like ours. Moving forward together for what’s next.”
The Super Eagles boss has since tendered a formal apology to Congo DR’s technical staff, stressing that the altercation stemmed from frustration rather than malice.
Nigeria, who endured a chaotic night highlighted by Victor Osimhen’s mysterious halftime disappearance and a turbulent shootout sequence, must now shift focus to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in December.
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South Africa’s Gayton McKenzie calls Nigeria’s behaviour ‘unacceptable’
Despite Chelle’s apology, South Africa’s influential Sports Minister has demanded harsh sanctions for both the coach and Nigeria.
In a pointed message posted on X (formerly Twitter), McKenzie condemned the incident in uncompromising terms.
“This is totally unacceptable behaviour, we will be looking very closely at this matter, this type of behaviour brings the game in disrepute. Nigeria should be punished for this unbecoming behaviour. This is football not UFC,” McKenzie wrote.
The minister’s criticism comes against the backdrop of his long-running public antagonism toward the Super Eagles.
Just last month, McKenzie made headlines when he declared openly that he wanted Nigeria to fail in their World Cup qualifying bid.
During an interview shared by journalist Robert Marawa, he stated:
“I want to make it very clear: I wish for them not to qualify. I just want to make that one clear. They tried… I knew what they did behind the scenes. I want them to lose. Nigeria must not go to the World Cup. Another African country must go.”
When asked if his remarks reflected personal animosity toward Nigerians, he replied:
“It’s not that. I give you the energy you give me. They don’t like us, we don’t like them. And it’s not personal.”
The remarks were made amid a turbulent qualifying process in which South Africa and Nigeria traded points, protests, and off-field controversies.
It is not yet clear if CAF will look to investigate the Rabat fracas and consider whether further action is warranted.