Nigeria’s head coach, Éric Chelle, has stirred controversy with his post-match comments, alleging that “voodoo” played a role in the penalty shootout that dashed his team’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
In a high-stakes qualifier, Nigeria initially took the lead through Frank Onyeka’s goal, only for Meschack Elia to equalize for DR Congo, forcing the match into a penalty shootout. Ultimately, DR Congo emerged victorious, clinching a 4-3 win and keeping their World Cup aspirations alive.
In the wake of the disappointing outcome, Chelle made a striking accusation against his opponents, drawing attention during the shootout that marked Nigeria’s second consecutive absence from the World Cup. “During all the penalty decisions, the guy from Congo did some voodoo. Every time … every time. So this is why I was a little nervous after him,” he told reporters, hinting at something mysterious taking place.
When pressed for details about his claim, Chelle gestured with his right arm but refrained from elaborating on the specifics. “Something like that [waving his arm]. You know, with, I don’t know if it’s water or something like that,” he explained, leaving many puzzled.
– Nigeria Eliminated from World Cup after Shootout Defeat to Congo
– Have Nigeria’s Hopes for Their Finest Generation Been Wasted?
This heartbreaking loss, especially against a team ranked 19 places below Nigeria in the FIFA standings, marks the third time since 2006 that the Super Eagles have failed to qualify for the prestigious tournament.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) issued a heartfelt statement following the loss, expressing their remorse to fans and to the nation’s president. “The Nigeria Football Federation wishes to openly and sincerely apologize to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu [GCFR], the Federal Government, and to millions of Nigerians—especially our passionate, loyal football fans—following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals,” their statement read on X.
“Sunday’s loss to DR Congo in the Africa Play-off Final in Rabat remains a moment of profound sadness for Nigerian football. The Super Eagles are not just a team; they are a symbol of unity, hope, and pride for our nation. Missing the World Cup for a second straight time weighs heavily on us all.”
“The NFF, along with the technical crew and players, fully comprehend the gravity of this moment. We share in the aspirations of our fans and the sacrifices made by a country that has endlessly supported its team through both triumphs and trials. We recognize that our collective efforts did not yield the results this nation truly deserved.”
