Voodoo Is Not the Reason Super Eagles Lost – Udeze Rejects Chelle’s Claim After Nigeria’s World Cup Exit

Former Super Eagles defender Ifeanyi Udeze has dismissed claims by Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle that DR Congo used voodoo during their decisive 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff. Nigeria crashed out of the race after a tense 1-1 draw that went into extra time before DR Congo sealed a 4-3 win on penalties.

The end of the match saw tempers flare, with Chelle visibly furious as both benches clashed following Chancel Mbemba’s winning spot-kick. Speaking to ESPN Africa, Chelle explained his anger, alleging he saw a Congolese official performing strange actions during the shootout. He said, “During the penalty session, a guy from Congo did some voodoo… Every time. So, this is why I was a little bit nervous.” He also gestured while adding, “Something like, I don’t know if it’s water or something like that.”

But Udeze strongly rejected the suggestion, saying DR Congo simply earned their win. “Voodoo is not the reason the Super Eagles lost. DR Congo deserved to win because they showed character; they showed that they want to go to the World Cup,” he said on Brila FM.

The former World Cup star also criticised the Super Eagles players for failing to perform when it mattered most. “We always blame the NFF for everything, but this time the players should take the blame,” he said, adding that the NFF, NSC, and the federal government “did everything” to support qualification, but “the players let everyone down… they didn’t show up.”