World Cup 2026 playoffs: Nigeria eliminated, Eric Chelle complains about Congolese witchcraft

16.11.25 AP World Cup Qualification CAF

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For Eric Chelle, the coach of Nigeria, DR Congo relied on witchcraft this Sunday evening during the final of the 2026 World Cup playoffs.

On Sunday, Nigeria was knocked out by the Democratic Republic of Congo (1-1, 3-4 on penalties). It happened during the 2026 World Cup playoffs. After the penalty shootout, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle wanted to confront a member of the Congolese staff. He complained about witchcraft.

"During the whole penalty shootout, the DR Congo guy was doing voodoo. Every time, every time, every time... That's why I was a bit upset with him. What did I see? Something like this (he mimed a gesture with his arm, editor's note). I don't know if it was water or something like that," the coach told ESPN.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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