World Cup 2026 playoffs: Eric Chelle apologizes to the Congolese

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Foot Africa

·17 November 2025

World Cup 2026 playoffs: Eric Chelle apologizes to the Congolese

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has issued an apology following his behavior at the end of the penalty shootout loss to DR Congo.

Video OneFootball

After the match, Chelle explained that he had seen a member of the Congolese staff make a suspicious gesture in his technical area, which upset him. However, he eventually decided to de-escalate the situation. Here’s what he said:

I reacted out of anger. I never intended to attack the Congolese people or their staff. I respect them. I’m disappointed to go out, but proud of my players. Congratulations to Congo, they were the better side.

🚨🇳🇬 Éric Chelle clarifie sa réaction après la rencontre RDC–Nigeria Sur son compte Instagram, le sélectionneur nigérian est revenu sur la scène survenue juste après le coup de sifflet final. Il explique qu’il s’agissait d’une réaction spontanée, liée à la tension du moment : «
– Senin, 17 November 2025

Chelle also praised the supporters of both teams:

Their crowd was incredible, just like ours.

RDC vs Nigeria DRAME L'entraîneur du Nigeria, Éric Sékou Chelle, avait été filmé en train de tenter une bagarre juste avant le dernier penalty du match Il a ramassé une bouteille d'eau, semblant viser un membre de l'équipe technique de la RDC.
– Senin, 17 November 2025