DR Congo Used ‘Voodoo’ During Super Eagles’ World Cup Playoff Defeat – Eric Chelle

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has stirred debate after accusing a member of DR Congo’s staff of carrying out what he called “voodoo” gestures during the dramatic penalty shootout that ended the Super Eagles’ bid for a place at the 2026 World Cup.

Nigeria were knocked out on Sunday night in Rabat after a 4-3 defeat on penalties, following a tense 1-1 draw over 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The loss means the Super Eagles will miss the World Cup for the second straight tournament.

A video posted by ESPN Africa on X on Monday showed Eric Chelle speaking to reporters shortly after the match.

In the clip, he said he became irritated during the VAR check for a penalty incident when he noticed a DR Congo staff member repeatedly performing the same gestures.

“During all the penalty decisions, a guy from Congo did some voodoo… Every time, every time, every time. So this is why I was a little nervous after him,” Chelle said.

When he was asked to explain what he saw, he moved his hands as he replied: “Something like that. I don’t know if it’s water or something like that.”

There is no independent confirmation of the claims.

Naija News reports that Nigeria had taken an early lead in the third minute through Frank Onyeka before M. Elia levelled for DR Congo in the 32nd minute. The match stayed tight all through extra time, with both sides creating chances but failing to score.

The shootout was unsettled from the start. Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon missed Nigeria’s early spot kicks, although Stanley Nwabali gave the Super Eagles some hope by saving DR Congo’s first attempt. Akor Adams later scored to keep Nigeria alive, but DR Congo converted their fourth kick to seal the 4-3 win.

The result sends the Leopards into the intercontinental playoff, where they will fight for one of the final slots at the expanded World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Nigeria, who reached the final after a 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon, saw their campaign end in a fashion that left fans stunned in Rabat.