Dark-arts controversy rocks African football as Nigeria crash out amid Congo ‘voodoo’ claims

Nigeria were eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying after losing to DR Congo on penalties, but coach Éric Chelle feels it’s not his players that let the country down, but the religious witchcraft by an opponent team staff that resulted in their elimination.

Nigeria lost 3-4 to Congo in the World Cup Qualifiers on Monday in Rabat after a substitute goalkeeper sent on late in extra time made two saves. The match had originally ended 1-1 after extra time. As a result of the defeat on penalties, Nigeria were knocked out of the qualifying, while Congo progressed to the inter-continental playoffs in March.

Nigeria allege witchcraft during football game

Nigerian coach Éric Chelle was involved in a spat with a Congo staff member during the penalties while trying to force his way to the opponent’s technical area in an aggressive manner.  The former Mali international Chelle, after the match, explained that he was protesting against “voodoo” being done by a Congo support staff during the penalty shootouts.

“The guy of Congo did some voodoo,” Chelle told reporters after Nigeria’s defeat. “Every time, every time, every time, so this is why I was a little nervous (of) him.”

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“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

When reporters probed what made Chelle think some voodoo was done, he made gestures of shaking his hand, adding that maybe some water was used to execute the witchcraft.

It will be interesting to see how the Nigerian football federation and fans react to the claims of witchcraft by their coach, as the African heavyweights have now failed to qualify for consecutive World Cups for the first time since 1990.

Congo wins after inspired goalkeeper substitution 

To Congo’s credit, coach Sebastien Desabre’s substitution was spot on as he brought on goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu for Lionel Mpasi in the 119th minute, moments before the shootout. Fayulu went on to save the spot kicks from Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi before Chancel Mbemba scored the winning penalty for Congo.

Nigerian captain William Troost-Ekong did not agree with coach Chelle as he admitted that it was a tough day for the team. “We are devastated. I am proud of the boys, they gave everything, not just today, but over the past 10 months. There are plenty of positives to take away. The future of this team is promising … but today is a very difficult day.”

Congo now have a chance to qualify for the World Cup for the second time. They last played in a World Cup in 1974 when they were called Zaire.

They will be part of the inter-confederation playoffs along with Bolivia, New Caledonia, two teams from Concacaf and either Iraq or the United Arab Emirates from Asia. Two teams from the playoffs will qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place across the USA, Canada and Mexico.