Nigeria coach Eric Chelle claims 'they cast a spell on us' after World Cup farewell

2026 World Cup Africa Qualifiers play-off final between Nigeria and Democratic Congo. Played at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium, Nigeria started the match 1-0 up with Onyeka's goal in the 8th minute. Democratic Congo responded with Elia in the 32nd minute. The score was 1-1 at halftime. Victor Osimhen, who suffered an injury in the first half, was replaced by Adams in the second half. When there were no goals in the second half and extra time, penalties were taken.

Democratic Congo beat Nigeria 4-3 in penalty kicks to qualify for the inter-confederation play-offs.

OSIMHEN INJUREDVictor Osimhen suffered an injury during Nigeria's match against Congo. The star player did not play in the second half. According to L'equipe newspaper, Victor Osimhen could not continue the match due to injury. The star player entered the dressing room in tears.

SHOCKING CLAIM AFTER THE MATCH Immediately after the match, Chelle attacked the Congo technical team and argued with coach Sebastien Desabre before the Nigerian technical team intervened. The altercation caught the attention of those in the stadium and left the usually calm coach wondering what prompted his reaction.

Desabre denied the incident on the sidelines at the press conference, saying it was "nothing serious". But Chelle later told reporters that he was angered by the repetitive actions of the opposition bench during the penalty shootout and made a bombshell claim.

"During all the penalties, the guy from DR Congo did some voodoo."

Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle explains why tempers flared between him and the DR Congo staff at the end of the World Cup playoff final. pic.twitter.com/nMyTIcqlTTT - ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) November 17, 2025

Chelle claimed that Congolese players were practicing "voodoo magic" during the penalty shootout. "During the penalties, a Congolese man was casting a spell," Chelle said, before making the claim in English.