Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has alleged that a member of DR Congo’s backroom staff performed “voodoo” rituals during the penalty shootout of Sunday’s World Cup playoff in Rabat, where the Super Eagles were eliminated from the 2026 qualification race.
The term “voodoo” is often used—sometimes inaccurately—to describe various traditional spiritual or ritual practices, especially in sports when players or coaches believe opponents may be attempting to influence a match using supernatural methods.
Nigeria suffered a 4–3 defeat in the shootout after the match ended 1–1 over 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, marking a second consecutive World Cup absence for the Super Eagles.
In a video shared by ESPN Africa on X on Monday, Chelle, speaking to reporters after the game, said he became agitated after observing repeated gestures from someone in DR Congo’s technical area during a video assistant referee review for a penalty decision.
“During all the penalty decision, a guy of Congo did some voodoo… Every time, every time, every time. So this is why I was a little nervous after him,” he said.
Pressed further about what he witnessed, Chelle replied while gesturing: “Something like that. I don’t know if it’s water or something like that.”
The allegation has not been independently verified.
Nigeria had gone ahead early through Frank Onyeka in the third minute, but DR Congo equalised in the 32nd minute through M. Elia. Both sides pushed for a winner in extra time but were unable to score.
In the shootout, Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon missed their early kicks for Nigeria, though goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved DR Congo’s first attempt to keep the contest alive. Akor Adams converted his attempt before DR Congo scored their fourth penalty to clinch the 4–3 win.
The victory sends DR Congo into the intercontinental playoff as they continue their push for a World Cup place in the expanded 48-team tournament to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Nigeria had reached the playoff final after a dramatic 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon, while DR Congo advanced by defeating Cameroon 1–0.
The Leopards now await their next opponent as their qualification journey continues, while the Super Eagles bow out after a disappointing night in Rabat.