Benson Chukwu
Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has accused a member of DR Congo’s technical team of using spiritual rituals during the decisive penalty shootout that ended the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup aspirations. The controversial incident took place during Sunday’s playoff in Rabat, Morocco.
After a tense match that ended 1–1 in regular and extra time, Nigeria suffered a heartbreaking 4–3 loss on penalties, sealing their absence from the tournament for the second consecutive edition.
In a post-match interview, Chelle vented his frustration, alleging unsportsmanlike conduct from the opposing team’s bench. A circulating clip from ESPN Africa on social media captured his claims in detail.
“Throughout the penalty shootout, one of their staff repeatedly performed voodoo gestures. It was impossible to ignore—every single time. That’s why I reacted the way I did,” he stated.
Pressed for specifics, Chelle demonstrated the motion, saying, “He was spraying something—water or another substance—upward. It felt deliberate.”
Voodoo, often associated with spiritual rites, remains a culturally sensitive topic, particularly in African football, where superstitions sometimes blur the lines between gamesmanship and psychological tactics.
See the full footage below:
Ayomide Olaniyan
