Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has claimed that a DR Congo staff member performed “voodoo” during Sunday’s World Cup playoff in Rabat, where the Super Eagles were knocked out of the 2026 tournament.

The term “voodoo” is often used in sports to suggest supernatural influence over a match rather than skill or strategy. Nigeria’s hopes ended in a 4–3 penalty shootout defeat after a 1–1 draw over 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, marking their second consecutive World Cup miss.

In a video posted by ESPN Africa on X, Chelle said he reacted after noticing repeated gestures from a DR Congo staffer during a VAR review. “During all the penalty decisions, a guy from Congo did some voodoo… every time. That’s why I was a little nervous,” he said. Gesturing, he added: “Something like that. I don’t know if it’s water or something.” The claims could not be independently verified.

Nigeria had taken an early lead through Frank Onyeka in the third minute, but M. Elia equalized for DR Congo in the 32nd. Extra time produced chances for both sides, but no winner emerged.

The penalty shootout swung back and forth. Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon missed Nigeria’s early kicks, while goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved DR Congo’s first attempt. Akor Adams kept Nigeria in the contest, but DR Congo scored their fourth penalty to win 4–3.

The result sends DR Congo to the intercontinental playoff for a chance to qualify for the expanded 48-team World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Nigeria had reached the final after a dramatic 4–1 extra-time win over Gabon, while DR Congo beat Cameroon 1–0.

With the Leopards advancing, the Super Eagles’ World Cup dreams ended in Rabat, leaving Nigerian fans to reflect on a heartbreaking campaign.