Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has sparked controversy after alleging that a member of the DR Congo staff engaged in “voodoo” practices during the tense penalty shootout of Sunday’s 2026 World Cup playoff match in Rabat.
The dramatic clash, which ended Nigeria’s qualification hopes, saw the Super Eagles fall to DR Congo after a 1–1 draw and a nerve-wracking shootout. Speaking after the match, Chelle claimed that unusual actions by a Congolese official on the touchline may have influenced the outcome.
According to Chelle, the staff member was seen performing what he described as “voodoo gestures” as players prepared to take their spot-kicks. While the coach did not provide further evidence, the accusation has already stirred debate across social media and among football fans on the continent.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has not yet issued a statement regarding Chelle’s remarks, and DR Congo officials have dismissed the claim as baseless.
Nigeria’s exit marks their second consecutive failure to reach the World Cup, intensifying scrutiny around the team’s performance and technical decisions. DR Congo, meanwhile, moves on to the intercontinental playoffs as they continue their bid for a historic appearance at the 2026 tournament.
