Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup dream ended in painful fashion on Sunday night, and the drama did not stop on the pitch. Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, has alleged that a member of DR Congo’s technical staff engaged in “voodoo” rituals during the tense penalty shootout that sealed Nigeria’s exit.
The Super Eagles were eliminated 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw across 120 minutes in Rabat, marking the second straight World Cup the country will miss.
In a video posted by ESPN Africa on X, Chelle told journalists that he became agitated after noticing a DR Congo staff member repeatedly making strange gestures during the VAR review for a penalty incident.
“During all the penalty decision, a guy of Congo did some voodoo… Every time, every time, every time. So this is why I was a little nervous after him,” Chelle said, motioning with his hands as he tried to describe what he saw.
“Something like that. I don’t know if it’s water or something like that.”
The claims have not been independently verified, and no footage confirming the alleged act has surfaced.
Nigeria had taken an early lead through Frank Onyeka in the third minute, but M. Elia equalised for DR Congo in the 32nd minute. Both sides pushed for a winner in extra time but failed to break the deadlock.
The shootout itself was a rollercoaster:
- Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon missed early kicks for Nigeria.
- Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved DR Congo’s first attempt to keep hope alive.
- Akor Adams converted Nigeria’s final kick, but DR Congo sealed victory with their fourth.
The result sends DR Congo into the intercontinental playoff as they continue their quest for a place in the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Nigeria had reached the final after a dramatic 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon, while DR Congo edged Cameroon 1–0 in the other semi-final.
For the Super Eagles, Rabat was the end of the road — and a night filled with frustration, controversy, and hard questions ahead.
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