Coach Eric Chelle has accused the Democratic Republic of Congo of engaging in “voodoo” during their World Cup play-off match, which ended in a penalty shootout defeat for the Super Eagles. The African play-offs final in Rabat on Sunday finished 1-1 after extra time before DR Congo won 4-3 on penalties to advance to the inter-confederation play-offs in Mexico next March.
Speaking to journalists after the match, Chelle said he observed a member of the DR Congo team making gestures that appeared to be “sprinkling or shaking something,” which he claimed happened repeatedly. The former Mali international, who has recorded four wins and two draws since taking charge of Nigeria, said the behaviour made him “a bit nervous” on the touchline.
The shootout was marked by high tension, with four penalties saved and one missed. DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba scored the decisive spot-kick despite heavy rain and a bottle thrown in his direction, sealing his country’s bid to return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when they participated as Zaire.
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Nigeria, which currently sits 19 places above DR Congo in the world rankings, have now failed to qualify for back-to-back World Cups for the first time since their debut in 1994. The Super Eagles had been favourites going into the match but will miss the 2026 tournament after consecutive qualification setbacks.
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