Benson Chukwu
Tensions flared on the sidelines as Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, nearly engaged in a heated altercation with DR Congo’s technical staff after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat.
In a thrilling African play-offs final held at Rabat’s Moulay Hassan Stadium on November 16, DR Congo staged a comeback to edge Nigeria 4-3 on penalties, securing Africa’s lone spot in the upcoming intercontinental play-offs.
Footage captured Chelle lunging toward a DR Congo official before being restrained by his assistants. The incident occurred moments before Nigeria’s final penalty attempt, adding further drama to an already intense encounter.
Speaking afterward, Chelle accused DR Congo’s bench of employing unsporting tactics, claiming they performed distracting rituals during the shootout.
“Their staff engaged in bizarre antics throughout every penalty—chanting, waving objects, trying to unsettle our players. It crossed the line of fair play,” Chelle fumed in his post-match remarks.
Ayomide Olaniyan
