Rabat: Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to an end on Sunday after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo, with head coach Eric Chelle later making a controversial claim regarding “voodoo” activity during the match.
The play-off final, held in Rabat, ended 1-1 after extra time before DR Congo secured a 4-3 victory on penalties, earning a spot in next year’s inter-confederation play-offs in Mexico.
Speaking to the media after the match, Chelle said he noticed what he described as “unusual actions” by a member of the opposition staff, implying superstitious behaviour.
“I saw someone doing something every time, every time,” Chelle said, gesturing as if something was being sprinkled. “I don’t know if it was water or something else, but it made me nervous.”
Chelle, a former Mali international, had previously acknowledged that competing in Morocco would be extremely challenging. Despite four saves and one missed penalty during a tense shootout, DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba kept his composure in heavy rain to score the decisive spot-kick, even as an object was thrown in his direction from the stands.
Nigeria, ranked 19 places above DR Congo in the latest FIFA standings and considered favourites before kickoff, have now missed two consecutive World Cups — something that last happened before their tournament debut in 1994. DR Congo, meanwhile, are seeking their first World Cup appearance since 1974, when the nation competed under the name Zaire.
