The head coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Eric Chelle
The head coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Eric Chelle has accused the Democratic Republic of Congo of using juju (magic) during their clash in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff.
DR Congo on Sunday, November 16, 2025, defied the odds to win the playoff final after beating Nigeria 4-3 in the penalty shootouts at the Stade Prince Moulay Hassan in Rabat, Morocco.
The Leopards have now qualified for the inter-continental playoff in March 2026 as they push for a return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since the 1974 edition in West Germany.
DR Congo eliminate Nigeria from World Cup playoffs
Reacting to the defeat, Eric Chelle alleged that a member of DR Congo team used some form of magic that aided the Leopards’ win over Nigeria in the penalty shootouts.
The Nigeria coach claimed that the use of juju by the member of the DR Congo team made him engage in a physical tussle on the sidelines during the penalty shootout.
“During the penalties, the guy from DR Congo did some voodoo every time, every time… So this is why I was a little nervous after him,” Eric Chelle said after the game.
“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/nMyTIcqlTT
— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) November 17, 2025
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