Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has accused the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) of using voodoo during their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier African Playoff final on Sunday, following Nigeria’s defeat.
The match ended 1-1 after regulation and extra time, forcing a penalty shootout in which DR Congo emerged victorious, securing the only ticket to the intercontinental playoffs and ending Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations for next year.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Chelle claimed the Congolese bench engaged in mystical practices during the shootout, making him anxious. “During the penalty session, the DR Congo did some voodoo every time, so this is why I was a little nervous,” he said. “The Congolese bench was sprinkling something that is like water.”
The comments have sparked reactions on social media, with fans mocking Chelle’s excuse. Some suggested Nigeria itself is known for occult practices, while others joked that he was simply frustrated by the loss.
“‘Nigeria is known for juju, they just mad they met bigger than theirs,” commented Didier-Sixte Kahungu, a South African X user, defending DR Congo.
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“Look at his eyes naw. Coach, guess what? Now, you can realize how our spiritual gurus are more powerful than yours in 9JA,” another user, @CongoMnHeritage, added.
Meanwhile, Nigerian netizen Maazi Chinualumogu criticized Chelle for shifting blame instead of addressing tactical shortcomings. “Eric Chelle blaming ‘voodoo’ and ‘maraboutage’ from the Congolese bench instead of owning his tactics? Weak. We scored early, then parked the bus with zero ideas for 90+ minutes. No width, no midfield control, no Plan B. Congo pressed smarter, substituted better, and buried their kicks while Bassey, Simon, and Ajayi bottled it,” he wrote.
Chinualumogu further urged accountability: “Shame on this coach for this clownery! Time to sack the excuses, rally for AFCON in Morocco next month, and get a manager who builds winners, not witch hunts.”