Rabat, Morocco – In a stunning turn of events following Nigeria's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has accused the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) of employing "voodoo" during their penalty shootout victory. The match, held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation and extra time, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout where DR Congo triumphed 4-3, dashing Nigeria's hopes of World Cup qualification.

Chelle made the allegations in a post-match press conference, claiming that members of the Congolese team's staff engaged in "voodoo" rituals during the penalty kicks. He stated his frustrations were directed at some members of DR Congo's backroom staff during the tense shoot-out. According to Chelle, a member of the DR Congo staff was "doing voodoo" during each penalty, which made him "a little nervous". When asked to describe what he witnessed, Chelle gestured with his arm, suggesting the individual was "sprinkling some kind of water" in an attempt to jinx Nigerian players.

The dramatic match saw Nigeria take an early lead in the third minute with a deflected strike from Frank Onyeka. However, DR Congo responded later in the first half with a goal from Meschak Elia, leveling the score. With neither team able to break the deadlock, the game proceeded to penalties.

Adding to the drama, DR Congo's coach, Sebastien Desabre, made a strategic substitution in the 119th minute, bringing on goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu specifically for the penalty shootout. Fayulu's heroics proved crucial, as he saved two of Nigeria's six spot-kicks, ultimately securing the victory for DR Congo and a place in the intercontinental playoffs in March.

Following Chancel Mbemba's conversion of the winning penalty, tensions flared as Chelle confronted members of the DR Congo technical area, including head coach Sébastien Desabre, before being restrained by Nigerian officials. Desabre downplayed the incident, but Chelle remained adamant about his accusations.

Reactions to Chelle's "voodoo" claims have been mixed. Some fans have mocked the allegations, with some social media users jesting about Nigeria's own history with occult practices. Others criticized Chelle, suggesting he was deflecting blame from his own tactical shortcomings. One user pointed out Nigeria's early goal followed by parking the bus with zero ideas for 90+ minutes.

This defeat marks another setback for Nigerian football, as the Super Eagles also failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. This is the first time they have missed two consecutive World Cup editions since their debut in 1994.

The DR Congo team now progresses to the intercontinental play-offs, where they will need to win two more matches to secure their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.