Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has alleged that the Democratic Republic of Congo employed “voodoo” tactics during the penalty shoot-out in Sunday’s World Cup qualifying playoff final in Morocco.
Speaking to the press after the match, Chelle revealed that his frustrations were directed at members of the Congolese technical staff during the tense shoot-out. He reportedly stormed toward DR Congo’s technical area and confronted several staff members, including head coach Sébastien Desabre, before being restrained by Nigerian officials.
Chelle claimed that members of the Congolese bench used rituals involving “something water” in an attempt to jinx Nigerian players during the penalties. “During all the penalty sessions, the guy from Congo did some voodoo. Every time, so this is why I was a little nervous after him,” he said.
The allegations come amid the high-stakes atmosphere of the World Cup qualifiers, highlighting the intensity and pressure surrounding the playoff final.
