Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has alleged that a member of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s technical team engaged in “voodoo” during the penalty shootout that saw the Super Eagles eliminated from the 2026 World Cup playoff in Rabat.
The controversial claim came after Nigeria’s campaign ended in a 4–3 defeat on penalties, following a 1–1 draw across 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The result confirmed that the Super Eagles would miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In sporting contexts, the term “voodoo” is often used loosely to describe supposed supernatural interventions. It is frequently cited by players, coaches, or fans as a way to rationalize unexpected outcomes, implying that mystical or spiritual forces, rather than tactics or skill, influenced the result.
Chelle’s remarks add to the debate surrounding Nigeria’s dramatic exit and underscore the frustration felt by the team after their hard-fought but ultimately unsuccessful campaign.
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