Nigeria Coach Eric Chelle Claims DR Congo Used ‘Black Magic’ In World Cup Qualifier Loss

Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes were dashed in dramatic fashion after a penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in Rabat.

The qualifying match ended 1-1 after extra time, with DR Congo ultimately prevailing 4-3 on penalties to secure a spot in the intercontinental playoffs.

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In the aftermath of the loss, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle made an extraordinary claim, attributing the team’s defeat to supernatural interference. Chelle suggested that a member of the Congolese staff employed voodoo or “black magic” during the decisive shootout.

“A Congo staff member performed black magic repeatedly, which left me unsettled on the touchline,” Chelle said.

Nigeria’s World Cup Dreams End Amid Controversial Allegations

With the World Cup out of reach, the most populous African nation now turns its attention to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

“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

The team will aim to regroup and prepare for the continental tournament, hoping to leave the controversy behind and deliver strong performances on home and international soil.

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