Nigeria manager Eric Chelle has issued a public apology after bizarrely claiming that DR Congo practiced ‘voodoo’ during a penalty shootout on Sunday evening.
Nigeria Fail To Qualify For World Cup
Three-time African champions Nigeria have failed to qualify for a second successive World Cup.
Having beaten Gabon 4-1 in extra time in their qualifying play-off semi-final last Thursday, DR Congo awaited in Sunday evening’s final in the Moroccan city of Rabat.
Alex Iwobi and co got off to a perfect start, as Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka opened the scoring after just three minutes. Meschack Elia struck back for the DRC on 32 minutes.
A goalless second period and extra time followed, meaning a penalty shootout was required.
In what was a spot kick session as dramatic as they come, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and co of the DR Congo prevailed 4-3, with captain Chancel Mbemba slotting away the winning penalty.
They now enter the inter-confederation play-offs for a spot at next summer’s showpiece event.
Bizarrely, Nigeria boss Eric Chelle accused the DR Congo of using ‘voodoo’ during the shootout that ended his side’s hopes of qualifying for the World Cup in Mexico, Canada and the USA.
WATCH: Nigeria Boss Eric Chelle Claims Congo ‘Practiced Voodoo’ During Shootout
In the aftermath of Nigeria’s elimination, Chelle told a member of the media in the mixed zone: “During all the penalties – the session – the guy of Congo did some voodoo.
“This is why I was a little nervous after him. “
“During all the penalties, the guy from DR Congo did some voodoo.”
Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle explains why tempers flared between him and the DR Congo staff at the end of the World Cup playoff final. pic.twitter.com/nMyTIcqlTT
— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) November 17, 2025
Videos of the incident later emerged on social media, seemingly disproving Chelle’s claims.
Footage showed a member of the DRC’s coaching staff walking towards Nigeria’s technical area, gesturing as Chelle had described, however the individual was not holding or splashing water.
Also in the video, Chelle was seen chasing Congo’s staff member after Mbemba’s winning penalty struck the back of the net. At one point, the Super Eagles boss was seen clenching a water bottle, looking as though he was ready to throw it towards the staff member.
— Yozefu Badjoko (@Badjo_KO) November 17, 2025
Eric Chelle Issues Apology To Congo After Voodoo Claims
In a statement on Instagram, Chelle apologised to the Congolese people and their staff.
“Football is all about emotions. After the match, I reacted impulsively because of an altercation with a member of the DR Congo’s staff who was trying to enter my technical area.
“I never intended to target the Congolese people nor their staff, whom I respect.
“Disappointed with our elimination but proud of my players. Congratulations to Congo, who were the better team. Their fans showed great passion, just like ours.”
He concluded: “We move forward together from here.”
Nigeria now turn their attention to the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next month.
The Super Eagles have been drawn into Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda. They face Tanzania in their opener on Tuesday, 23 December.
