Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in tense fashion on Sunday, with head coach Éric Chelle alleging that a member of Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) technical staff attempted to use voodoo during the penalty shoot-out.
DRC edged the African play-off final after a 1–1 draw, advancing thanks to two saves from a substitute goalkeeper brought on in the closing stages of extra time specifically for the shoot-out.
Chelle was seen on the touchline shouting towards the DRC bench and moving towards their technical area as tempers flared. When quizzed after the match about the confrontation, he responded by shaking an imaginary water bottle, a gesture he implied was linked to the alleged act.
The incident has stirred debate across African football, though no official complaint has been lodged with match authorities.
For Nigeria, the defeat confirms a second successive failure to reach the World Cup, despite fielding attacking talents such as Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, who remain at the height of their powers.
–ChannelAfrica–
