Nigeria DR Congo playoff controversy intensifies as Eric Chelle alleges unusual conduct during the penalty shootout in Rabat

Nigeria DR Congo playoff controversy intensified on Monday after Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle alleged that a member of DR Congo’s staff engaged in what he described as voodoo during the tense penalty shootout that ended Nigeria’s World Cup hopes.

Also read: PDP Ibadan 2025 Convention Signals Powerful Turning Point

The Nigeria DR Congo playoff controversy emerged following Sunday’s dramatic World Cup qualifying play-off in Rabat, where Nigeria were beaten 4 to 3 on penalties after a 1 to 1 draw across extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The defeat means the Super Eagles will miss the 2026 World Cup for the second successive cycle.

In a video shared by ESPN Africa on X, Chelle told journalists that he became agitated during the video assistant referee review for a penalty incident after noticing repeated gestures made by someone in DR Congo’s technical area.

Chelle claimed that the behaviour resembled ritual practices commonly labelled as voodoo in football conversations, although the term is often misused to describe cultural or spiritual actions that may have no bearing on sporting performance.

Chelle explained that the gestures happened continuously during the review, describing movements with his hands and saying he could not tell whether the individual was using water or carrying out some other form of action. His claims have not been independently verified.

Nigeria DR Congo playoff: Chelle claims voodoo influenced shootout

Nigeria began the match brightly with a third minute goal from Frank Onyeka, but DR Congo levelled shortly before the half hour mark through M. Elia. Both sides created opportunities in extra time although neither could find the decisive finish.

The penalty shootout swung repeatedly, with Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon missing Nigeria’s early attempts, while goalkeeper Nwabali saved DR Congo’s first kick to keep the contest alive.

Akor Adams converted his effort to maintain Nigeria’s hopes but DR Congo held their nerve and converted their fourth penalty to secure a 4 to 3 victory.

The result sends the Leopards into the intercontinental play-off, where they will compete for a place at the expanded 48 team tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Nigeria had reached the final after a thrilling 4 to 1 extra time win over Gabon, while DR Congo progressed by defeating Cameroon.

Also read: PDP Ibadan 2025 Convention Signals Powerful Turning Point

The Leopards now await their next opponent, while Nigeria’s campaign ends in painful fashion following a night of high drama and frustration in Rabat.