Chelle Alleges ‘Voodoo’ After Nigeria Crash Out of World Cup Race

Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in heartbreak on Sunday after a dramatic penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in Rabat. The Super Eagles, who fought through 120 minutes of intense football, were beaten 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regulation time.

Nigeria took an early lead through a deflected strike from Frank Onyeka, but DR Congo pulled level when Meschak Elia found the net. With neither side able to break the deadlock in extra time, the match headed into a tense shootout. Stanley Nwabali kept Nigeria alive with two crucial saves, but Semi Ajayi’s miss in sudden death proved costly, allowing Chancel Mbemba to score the winning kick.

Emotions boiled over on the Nigeria bench moments before the final penalty. Cameras captured head coach Éric Sékou Chelle angrily confronting DR Congo staff, at one point appearing ready to throw a water bottle before he was held back. DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre later brushed off the incident as “not an issue.”

However, Chelle’s explanation stunned reporters. The coach accused DR Congo players of using spiritual manipulation during the shootout, saying in French, “DR Congo guys were doing maraboutage.” He repeated the claim in English moments later, alleging, “During all of the penalties, the players of Congo were doing some voodoo… this is why I was nervous with him.”

His remarks quickly stirred debate, and a DR Congo representative firmly denied the allegation when contacted by The Athletic. The comments came just hours after CAF confirmed that its match commissioner would include the touchline confrontation in his official report. This means Chelle could now face disciplinary action, regardless of his claims about DR Congo’s conduct.