Nigerian Coach Accuses DR Congo of Voodoo in World Cup Qualifier Loss

Éric Chelle, the head coach of Nigeria, has made controversial allegations against the DR Congo team, claiming they employed “voodoo” tactics during the penalty shootout that ultimately ended Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

In a crucial qualifier, Nigeria initially took the lead with a goal from Frank Onyeka, but the match was equalized by Meschack Elia, which led to a penalty shootout. DR Congo triumphed 4-3 in this decisive phase, thus keeping their own World Cup aspirations alive.

Following the match, Chelle expressed his unease regarding the penalty shootout, stating, “During all the penalty decisions, the players from Congo performed some voodoo. Every time… this is why I was a little nervous afterward,” as he spoke to reporters.

When further probed about his experience, Chelle gestured with his right arm but did not provide specific details to substantiate his claim. “It was something like that [waving his arm]. I don’t know if it was water or something else,” he added, indicating a sense of bewilderment.

This defeat, particularly significant given that DR Congo is ranked 19 places below Nigeria, marks Nigeria’s third consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup since 2006.

In response to this disappointing outcome, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) issued a statement expressing their remorse to fans and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The statement read, “The Nigeria Football Federation wishes to sincerely apologize to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu [GCFR], the Federal Government, and millions of passionate football fans after the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.”

The NFF continued, “Sunday’s loss to DR Congo in the Africa Play-off Final in Rabat is a moment of profound sadness for Nigerian football. For a nation where the Super Eagles symbolize unity, hope, and collective pride, missing out on the World Cup for a second consecutive time carries significant disappointment and emotional weight.”

“The NFF, along with the technical crew and players, fully grasps the gravity of this situation and the expectations placed upon us by the Nigerian populace. We acknowledge the passion and sacrifices made by a country that has consistently supported its team, through both triumphs and trials, and we recognize that our collective efforts did not yield the results our nation deserved.”