DR Congo Official Denies ‘Voodoo’ Claims After Clash With Nigeria Coach

DR Congo team manager Dodo Landu has spoken out after a heated altercation with Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle during Sunday’s dramatic World Cup playoff penalty shootout. Nigeria lost 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw over 120 minutes, ending their hopes of reaching the 2026 tournament.

The confrontation began when Chelle noticed Landu pacing, gesturing and murmuring near the touchline as players prepared for the decisive kicks. The Malian coach appeared convinced the DR Congo official was trying to “interfere spiritually”, sparking an ugly scene as emotions boiled over.

Nigeria’s Semi Ajayi missed his penalty, allowing Chancel Mbemba to score the winner. As DR Congo players rushed to celebrate, Chelle charged toward Landu before being held back by security and staff.

After the match, Landu strongly rejected suggestions that he used any supernatural means, insisting he was simply supporting his captain. He said:

During Chancel’s penalty kick, I was praying for him to score… Immediately, the Nigerian coach thought I was performing voodoo.

Chelle has since apologised, saying the pressure of the moment influenced his reaction and stressing his respect for DR Congo. With World Cup hopes gone, he now turns attention to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria face a tough group including Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania.