LAGOS, Nigeria — Eric Chelle, head coach of the Super Eagles, has accused the Democratic Republic of Congo’s technical team of engaging in “voodoo” during the penalty shootout that ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup.
Nigeria were eliminated after a 4–3 defeat on penalties in Sunday, November 16, 2025’s African World Cup playoffs final.
The match finished 1–1 after extra time, with the DR Congo advancing to the intercontinental playoffs.
Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi missed their spot-kicks for Nigeria, while Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive penalty to secure the Congolese victory.
Following the final kick, Chelle confronted the DR Congo bench and had to be restrained as tempers flared.
Speaking after the match, Chelle alleged that members of the DR Congo technical area used supernatural practices during the shootout.
“During all the penalty sessions, the DR Congo did some voodoo. Every time. Every time. That was why I was a bit nervous,” he said.
“I saw something like water or something.”
He added that he believed someone was using “something water” to jinx Nigerian players as they stepped up to take their kicks.
Chelle did not provide further detail, and officials from DR Congo did not immediately respond to the allegations.
“During all the penalties, the guy from DR Congo did some voodoo.”
Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle explains why tempers flared between him and the DR Congo staff at the end of the World Cup playoff final. pic.twitter.com/nMyTIcqlTT
— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) November 17, 2025
Sunday’s defeat marks a historic setback for Nigeria.
The Super Eagles also failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, and this is the first time the country has missed two consecutive tournaments since making its debut in 1994.
Nigeria had taken an early lead through Frank Onyeka, whose third-minute long-range effort deflected off a defender and beat the Congolese goalkeeper.
Mechak Elia equalised in the 32nd minute after dispossessing Alex Iwobi and finishing a swift counterattack.
The match grew increasingly tense after Victor Osimhen was forced off injured in the second half.
Nigeria struggled to regain control, with DR Congo dominating large stretches of play through regulation time and extra time.
Despite strong defensive performances from Bassey and Benjamin Fredrick, the Eagles were unable to regain momentum, eventually succumbing in the penalty shootout.
