Nigeria’s head coach Eric Chelle said DR Congo used voodoo in their penalty win in the 2026 World Cup play-off in Rabat on Sunday. The game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes at the Moulay Hassan Stadium. Congo then won 4-3 on penalties, which ended Nigeria’s push to reach the World Cup.
Chelle said things got tense at the end because he felt a DR Congo staff member used black magic in the shootout. He said the act kept happening and made him uneasy on the side of the pitch. Nigeria had scored first but lost control when Congo hit back just before the break.
Congo won when captain Chancel Mbemba scored the last kick in sudden death. Timothy Fayulu came on for Lionel Mpasi Nzau just before full time and saved two Nigeria kicks. The win sent DR Congo to the Intercontinental play-off next March, while Nigeria missed a second World Cup in a row.
Chelle’s Voodoo AllegationsSpeaking after the match, Chelle said a staff member from the Leopards used black magic through the shootout. He said the acts threw him off in that tight spell. Chelle said the clash on the side line came from that. He added, “During the penalties, the guy from DR Congo did some voodoo every time, every time… So this is why I was a little nervous after him.”
His words set off talk online. Some Nigeria fans said the claim was just an excuse and that the side did not finish well. Others said the team was tired after playing 180 minutes against Gabon in the same week.
Fans React Across Social MediaFans on X, Facebook and TikTok shared mixed views on Chelle’s take. Some made fun of it, with jokes about “VAR for juju.” Others said Congo won with focus, strong saves and calm play. Congo fans said their team won with skill, not magic.
Posts ranged from sharp hits to jokes. One user wrote, “Black magic? In 2025? Coach Chelle must be joking. Nigeria just bottled it, simple.” Another said, “Every time we lose, suddenly it’s juju. Abeg take responsibility.” One more added, “So Congo brought Mbemba and the ancestors?”
The shootout came after late drama when Congo had a goal ruled out in extra time. Sadiki scored in the 110th minute, but the ref blew for a foul in the box. Nigeria held on, but their spark faded as the game went to penalties.
Nigeria now look ahead to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Chelle’s job is still in doubt after the failure to reach the World Cup. The Super Eagles also missed the 2022 event in Qatar, making it two straight misses on the world stage.
Congo now stand close to their first World Cup since 1974. They will play in the inter-confed play-offs in March. The draw will take place on 20 November, with spots set by FIFA ranks.
