Chelle accuses DR Congo official of Voodoo during penalty shootout

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has alleged that an official of the DR Congo engaged in “voodoo” rituals during the penalty shootout of Sunday’s CAF World Cup qualifying playoff final.

Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were dashed after they fell 4-3 on penalties to the Congolese, following a tense 1-1 draw after regulation and extra time.

Tempers flared after Chancel Mbemba scored the decisive penalty, with Chelle visibly furious as both benches clashed near the touchline.

Speaking to ESPN Africa, Chelle said he reacted after seeing a DR Congo official making strange gestures and sprinkling an unidentified substance whenever a Nigerian player stepped up to take a kick.

“During the penalty session, a guy of Congo did some voodoo. Every time, every time, every time,”

When pressed to describe what he witnessed, the Malian coach added,

“Something like—” he made a hand gesture— “I don’t know if it’s water or something like that.”

Nigeria reached the playoff final after defeating Gabon 4-1 after extra time, while DR Congo booked their place by edging Cameroon 1-0.

The Super Eagles made a bright start when Frank Onyeka’s deflected strike found the net, but Mechak Elia levelled for DR Congo in the 32nd minute after Alex Iwobi was dispossessed in midfield.

Nigeria were forced to play the entire second half and extra time without star striker Victor Osimhen, who exited early due to injury. 

Both sides failed to find a winner before the shootout, where DR Congo prevailed.

The victory sends the Congolese to next year’s intercontinental playoffs as they chase a first World Cup appearance since their debut at the 1974 tournament in Germany.

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