Nigeria Boss on DR Congo Loss: Voodoo Claims After Defeat
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Nigeria Coach Accuses DR Congo of “Voodoo” in World Cup Qualifier
Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle has accused the Democratic Republic of the congo (DRC) side of using ”voodoo” during the penalty shootout that ended his team’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The allegations stem from the decisive match played on November 16, 2025, which saw the DRC advance after a penalty shootout victory following a 1-1 draw.
Frank Onyeka scored for Nigeria, while Meschack Elijah equalized for the DRC, sending the African qualifying match to a penalty shootout. The match was a crucial fixture in the 2026 World Cup qualification process, with both teams vying for a spot in the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, canada, and Mexico.
The Allegations: What Chelle Claimed
Following the match, Chelle publicly stated his belief that the DRC team engaged in practices he described as “voodoo” during the penalty shootout. He alleged that DRC players and staff performed rituals intended to psychologically influence the Nigerian penalty takers. Specific details of the alleged rituals were not immediately provided by Chelle, but his comments sparked immediate controversy and debate.
“They did things…voodoo things,” Chelle reportedly said after the match, as reported by ESPN.”I don’t want to say too much, but it’s clear what happened. It’s not normal.”
The Match Details: A Tense Qualifier
The qualifying match between Nigeria and the DRC was played at the Stade de Marrakech in Morocco on November 16,2025,due to stadium issues in Kinshasa. FIFA confirmed the relocation of the match prior to the event.
The game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, with Onyeka giving Nigeria the lead in the first half before Elijah’s second-half goal forced extra time. Neither team could find a winner in extra time, leading to the dramatic penalty shootout.The DRC ultimately prevailed 4-2 in the shootout, securing their place in the next stage of World cup qualification.
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | 1 (2) |
| DR Congo | 1 (4) |
Context: Belief in Magic in African Football
Belief in the power of magic and traditional spiritual practices is prevalent in some African cultures, and has historically manifested in the realm of football. While accusations of witchcraft or juju are not uncommon, they are rarely made so publicly by a national team coach.
Historically, instances of alleged magical intervention in African football have included the use of amulets, rituals performed on the pitch, and accusations of players being targeted by curses. These practices are often rooted in a desire to gain a competitive advantage, reflecting a blend of cultural beliefs and sporting ambition. The Guardian reported on the prevalence of these beliefs during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.