'Did some voodoo' - Eric Chelle explains why he was frustrated with DR Congo officials

Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle has shed light on the source of his frustration with some DR Congo staff members during Sunday night’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff clash.

DR Congo secured their place on the intercontinental stage for March 2026 after defeating Nigeria on penalties, following a deadlocked 120 minutes.

After the match, Chelle was seen in a heated exchange with several members of the Congolese backroom staff, prompting intervention from both technical teams.

Speaking afterwards, the Malian coach revealed the reason for his anger, accusing the DR Congo staff of attempting to use voodoo during the penalty shootout.

"During all the penalty sessions, the guy from Congo did some voodoo, this is why I was a little bit nervous with him,” Chelle told reporters in the mixed zone. 

When asked to explain what he observed, Chelle clarified that he was the staff member seen waving or sprinkling what appeared to be water during the penalty shootout.

"Something like that, I don't know if it's a water or something like that,” he added.

Nigeria’s defeat means the Super Eagles will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico next summer.

It marks the first time Nigeria will fail to qualify for consecutive World Cup tournaments since their debut appearance in 1994.

Chelle and his squad will now shift their attention to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, aiming to go one better than the last edition where they finished as runners-up.

Adeyemi Adewale

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