Nigeria’s World Cup playoff defeat to DR Congo has been overshadowed by controversy, with Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle accusing the Congolese team of using “voodoo” during the penalty shootout.
Chelle claimed that a member of DR Congo’s staff was making ritual-like actions, which made him nervous.
“During the penalty session, the guy from Congo did some vodoo. So this is why I was a little nervous after him,” he told reporters.
The match, held in Rabat, Morocco, ended 1-1 after extra time, with DR Congo winning 4-3 on penalties.
Nigeria had taken an early lead through Frank Onyeka, but DR Congo equalized through Meschack Elia.
Chelle’s comments have sparked debate, with some dismissing his claims as frustration, while others argue that psychological tactics are common in African football.
DR Congo’s coach, Sebastien Desabre, dismissed the allegations, focusing on his team’s triumph.
The result sends DR Congo to the inter-confederation playoff, while Nigeria misses out on the World Cup for the second time running.
