Chelle Accuses DR Congo of Voodoo

Head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has accused the DR Congo team of using “voodoo” during the penalty shootouts in the African World Cup playoffs final.

The Super Eagles will not participate in the 2026 World Cup after losing 4-3 on penalties to DR Congo. The match ended 1-1 after extra time.

Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, and Semi Ajayi all failed to convert their penalties, while Chancel Mbemba netted the decisive kick for the Congolese, propelling them into the intercontinental playoffs.

Following the final penalty, Chelle was seen approaching the DR Congo bench and had to be restrained to prevent an altercation from escalating.

In a post-match statement, Chelle claimed that the Congolese bench engaged in voodoo during the penalty shootouts.

He also mentioned witnessing an individual in the DR Congo technical area using “some water” to cast a hex on the Nigerian players.

“During all the penalty sessions, the DR Congo did some voodoo. Every time. Every time. That was why I was a bit nervous,” the Malian coach said.

The Super Eagles also failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. This marks the first time Nigeria has been unable to qualify for two consecutive World Cups since its debut in 1994.

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Tope Oke

Temitope is a storyteller driven by a passion for the intricate world of geopolitics, the raw beauty of wildlife, and the dynamic spirit of sports. As both a writer and editor, he excels at crafting insightful and impactful narratives that not only inform but also inspire and advocate for positive change. Through his work, he aims to shed light on complex issues, celebrate diverse perspectives, and encourage readers to engage with the world around them in a more meaningful way.