Nigeria’s Super Eagles failed to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup after a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the African playoffs final.
The match finished 1-1 after extra time, but it is head coach Eric Chelle’s startling accusations against the Congolese side that have taken center stage in post-match conversations.
Chelle, who is Franco-Malian, alleged that DR Congo engaged in voodoo practices during the penalty shootout, suggesting it affected Nigeria’s chances. He told reporters, “During all the penalty sessions, the DR Congo did some voodoo. Every time. Every time. That was why I was a bit nervous.”
He further claimed he saw an individual on the DR Congo bench using “something water” in an attempt to jinx the Nigerian players. His comments followed missed penalties by Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, and Semi Ajayi, while Chancel Mbemba scored the decisive kick that sent DR Congo into the intercontinental playoffs.
Emotions flared after the final penalty, prompting Chelle to confront the DR Congo bench before officials intervened to prevent the situation from escalating.
Nigeria’s inability to qualify marks a significant setback for the Super Eagles, who also failed to reach the 2022 World Cup — the first time the nation has missed two consecutive tournaments since making their debut in 1994.