Nigeria coach blames ‘Voodoo’ for World Cup qualification failure

Nigeria’s World Cup playoff loss to DR Congo has been marred by controversy, with Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle alleging that the Congolese team employed “voodoo” tactics during the penalty shootout.

Chelle asserted that a member of DR Congo’s staff was making ritual-like gestures, which caused him apprehension.

“During the penalty session, the individual from Congo performed some voodoo, which made me somewhat nervous,” he stated to reporters.

The match, held in Rabat, Morocco, concluded 1-1 after extra time, with DR Congo emerging victorious 4-3 in the penalty shootout. Nigeria had secured an early lead through Frank Onyeka, but DR Congo equalized through Meschack Elia.

Chelle’s remarks have triggered a lively debate, with some belittling his claims as frustration, while others insist that psychological tactics are standard practice in African football.

DR Congo’s coach, Sebastien Desabre, dismissed the allegations, opting to concentrate on his team’s achievement.

The result sends DR Congo to the inter-confederation playoff, while Nigeria is eliminated from World Cup contention for the second consecutive time.