Chelle Accuses DR Congo of Using ‘Voodoo’ in Penalty Shoot-Out Against Nigeria

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has alleged that the Democratic Republic of Congo employed “voodoo” tactics during the penalty shoot-out of Sunday’s World Cup qualifying playoff final in Morocco.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Chelle said his outburst on the touchline was directed at certain members of DR Congo’s backroom staff during the tense spot-kick sequence.

Nigeria opened the scoring in the third minute through a deflected effort from Frank Onyeka, before Meschak Elia equalised later in the first half. With no additional goals in regular or extra time, the contest finished 1–1 after 120 minutes.

DR Congo ultimately prevailed on penalties to advance to the final stage of the World Cup qualifying play-offs.

Tensions escalated moments after Chancel Mbemba buried the decisive penalty. Chelle charged toward the DR Congo technical area, confronting several staff members — including head coach Sébastien Desabre — before Nigerian officials intervened.

Desabre later played down the altercation, telling journalists it was “not an issue.”

Chelle disagreed, reiterating his claim that members of the Congolese bench engaged in “voodoo” rituals during each Nigerian penalty attempt. He said he witnessed someone in the opposing technical area “using something water” in a bid to unsettle his players.

“During all the penalty sessions, the guy from Congo did some voodoo,” Chelle said.
“Every time, so this is why I was a little nervous after him.”

Pressed on what exactly he saw, he added: “Yeah, something like, I don’t know if it’s water or something like that [he was spraying it up].”

Nigeria’s loss further extends the country’s World Cup struggles. The Super Eagles also failed to qualify for the 2022 edition, marking the first time since their 1994 debut that they have missed two consecutive tournaments.

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