Nigeria boss Eric Chelle alleges â??voodooâ? tactics by DR Congo during penalty shoot-out defeat

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has accused DR Congo players of using “voodoo” during the penalty shoot-out that eliminated the Super Eagles from contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria were beaten 4-3 on penalties in the CAF play-off final after a 1-1 draw, with Chancel Mbemba scoring the decisive kick to send DR Congo into the intercontinental play-offs. The defeat confirms Nigeria will miss a second consecutive World Cup after failing to qualify automatically from their group.

The shoot-out began poorly for the Super Eagles, as Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon missed their opening kicks. Semi Ajayi later had his effort saved in sudden death by Timothy Fayulu, before Mbemba converted to seal DR Congo’s progression.

According to The Athletic, Chelle confronted members of DR Congo’s technical team moments after the match. Speaking in the mixed zone, he claimed the opposition had engaged in inappropriate conduct during the shoot-out. “During the penalty shoot-out, the players of Congo did some voodoo. Every time, every time. So this is why,” he said.

Nigeria had taken the lead through Frank Onyeka, before Meschak Elia punished a Wilfred Ndidi error to draw DR Congo level. Both sides pushed for a winner in extra time but could not settle the tie.

DR Congo, who last appeared at the World Cup in 1974 as Zaire, will now advance to the March intercontinental play-offs in Rabat, where they will face teams including Bolivia and New Caledonia.

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