Nigeria’s National Men’s Football Team head coach Eric Chelle has accused Democratic Republic of Congo football team of using voodoo.
Chelle explained that it was the reason why tampers flared between him and DR Congo staff at the end of the World Cup playoff final.
DR Congo beats Nigeria in a crucial World Cup Playoff
The Congolese beat Nigeria on penalties after the CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup Playoff Final ended 1-1 after regulation time and extra time.
Congo captain Chancel Mbemba netted the winning penalty kick after Timothy Fayulu had saved from Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi.
The victory put the Congolese through to the Intercontinental qualifier which will be held next March.
Nigeria will be missing from a second successive edition of the World Cup.
Nigeria coach Chelle accuses Congolese of practicing voodoo
Speaking after the match, Chelle alleged that a member of DR Congo team used some form of black magic that aided the Leopards win over Nigeria.
Chelle explained that the ‘voodoo practice’ made him engage in a physical tussle on the sidelines during the penalty shootout.
“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,” he said.
Social media reactions to Voodoo allegations
Some supporters took to social media to react to the allegations, flooding X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and TikTok with mixed views.
While some fans dismissed the claims as excuses, others joked about “VAR for juju,” and a few Congolese supporters clapped back, saying their team won through skill, not spirits.
Here are some of the reactions:
@EzeTheAnalyst: “Black magic? In 2025? Coach Chelle must be joking. Nigeria just bottled it, simple.”
@NaijaTruth247: “Every time we lose, suddenly it’s juju. Abeg take responsibility.”
@AfricanFootyBanters: “So Congo brought Mbemba and the ancestors? No wonder that penalty went in smooth-smooth.”
@CAFComedyClub: “CAF needs VAR for juju now. This continent no go ever dull.”
@CoachBabaIdris: “If it was black magic, then Nigeria needs a new spiritual department ASAP.”
