‘The guy from Congo was doing voodoo’ – Nigeria coach Eric Chelle sparks controversy after World Cup play-off exit | OneFootball

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle delivered a remarkable allegation after his side’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, accusing a member of the DR Congo technical staff of performing occult gestures during the penalty shoot-out on Sunday.

The Super Eagles were beaten 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Rabat, with misses from Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi sealing their exit. As Lille centre back Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive spot-kick, Chelle sprinted toward the DR Congo bench and attempted to confront a staff member before being stopped.Speaking post-match to L’Équipe, the 46-year-old offered an explanation for his reaction. “During the whole session, the guy from Congo was doing voodoo,” Chelle told reporters. “I don’t know if it was water or something else, but he kept throwing it in the air. That’s why I got angry.”Born in Ivory Coast, Chelle came through the French system before enjoying a long career as a defender with Valenciennes, Angers, FC Istres and Martigues. After retiring, he moved directly into coaching, spending several years across the French pyramid, including a spell in charge of US Boulogne. This was before a spell with Mali as head coach, before a short stint in the 2024-2025 season with Algerian side MC Oran. Chelle was appointed Nigeria manager in January 2025. GFFN | George Boxall