Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle says his outburst after the penalty shoot-out defeat to DR Congo in the African FIFA World Cup play-off final was directed at someone he alleges was practicing ‘voodoo’.
Nigeria suffered a heartbreaking end to their World Cup qualifying journey, losing 4-3 on penalties in sudden death, a cruel end after an incredible revival, having thrashed Benin in their final group game to sneak into the play-offs and then beating Gabon 4-1 last week.
- ALSO READ: DR Congo Stun Nigeria In African WC PlayOff Final
- SA Stars Make 2025 CAF Awards Final Nominations
Meanwhile, Congo suffered a last-minute defeat to Senegal at home, which saw them lose the top spot in their group, they held for most of the campaign – they will now progress to the inter-continental playoffs which will feature six teams, with two spots available, in March 2026.
“During the penalty session, the whole session, the guy of Congo [technical staff] did some voodoo, every time, every time, every time, so this is why I was a little nervous [upset] after him,” he told ESPN Africa.
When asked what he saw, Chelle did a throwing action; “something like that, I don’t know if it’s water or something like that.”
The former Mali head coach has overseen 14 games for the Super Eagles, with eight wins, three draws and three defeats.
Did you know that the iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is completely free! Download it now by clicking the button below or fill in the form to have it sent to you every week.
