Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has sparked controversy by claiming that a DR Congo official engaged in what he described as “voodoo” rituals during the penalty shootout of Sunday’s CAF World Cup qualifying playoff final.
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching next year’s FIFA World Cup were dashed after they lost 4–3 on penalties to the Leopards, following a 1–1 draw after regulation and extra time.
Tensions flared on the touchline immediately after Chancel Mbemba scored the decisive penalty, with both benches visibly agitated. Chelle explained that his anger stemmed from observing a DR Congo official making suspicious hand movements and pouring an unknown substance each time a Super Eagles player stepped up to take a kick.
“During the penalty session, a guy of Congo did some voodoo. Every time, every time, every time,” Chelle said to ESPN Africa. “So, this is why I was a little bit nervous after him.”
When asked what exactly he saw, the Malian replied: “Something like—” he gestured with his hands—“I don’t know if it’s water or something like that.”
The French coach insisted that these actions unnerved his players and contributed to the dramatic penalty defeat, adding yet another layer of controversy to Nigeria’s heartbreaking exit.
