Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle sparked controversy on Sunday night after accusing DR Congo of using voodoo during the dramatic penalty shootout that ended the Super Eagles’ World Cup hopes.
DR Congo edged Nigeria 4–3 on penalties at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Morocco.
Both sides scored early in the match. Frank Onyeka struck in the 3rd minute, and Mechak Elia answered in the 52nd but neither team broke the deadlock in extra time.
Timothy Fayulu then took control of the shootout.
The DR Congo substitute stepped in and saved two penalties, lifting the Leopards into the FIFA Play-Off Tournament and pushing Nigeria out of the World Cup picture for the second straight cycle.
Tensions exploded after the final kick. Chelle confronted DR Congo staff and accused them of using spiritual interference (Voodoo) during the shootout.
“During all the penalties, the guy from Congo did some voodoo. Every time. So I got angry with him,” Chelle said in a video shared by ESPN Africa on X.
He claimed he saw a DR Congo staff member throw a liquid toward the goal before several kicks.
The incident capped a bitter night for Nigeria, who must now regroup after another failed World Cup campaign.
DR Congo turn their focus to the intercontinental play-offs, where they will fight for a spot at the 2026 tournament.
