VIDEO: WCQ Drama: Chelle Accuses DR Congo Official of ‘Mystic Tricks’ During Penalty Shootout

VIDEO: WCQ Drama: Chelle Accuses DR Congo Official of ‘Mystic Tricks’ During Penalty Shootout

17th November 2025

Nigeria’s World Cup hopes ended in heartbreak on Sunday night, but the aftermath has taken an even more dramatic turn as Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle accused a DR Congo staff member of performing “mystic” acts during the tense penalty shootout in Rabat.

Chelle, visibly frustrated after Nigeria’s 4–3 loss on penalties, told reporters that a member of DR Congo’s technical crew repeatedly made suspicious gestures during the VAR review of a crucial penalty incident. The coach suggested the actions resembled ritual practices often loosely labelled as “voodoo” in sporting circles.

“During all the penalty decision, a guy from Congo did some voodoo… Every time, every time,” Chelle said in a clip shared by ESPN Africa. Asked to clarify what he saw, the coach gestured with his hands, adding, “Something like that. I don’t know if it’s water or something like that.”

His claims, however, have not been independently verified.

The tension-filled encounter at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium had ended 1–1 after 120 minutes, with Nigeria striking early through Frank Onyeka in the third minute before Meschack Elia levelled for DR Congo in the 32nd minute. Both sides wasted chances in extra time, pushing the game to a nail-biting shootout.

The momentum swung wildly: Nwabali saved DR Congo’s first attempt, but misses from Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon left Nigeria chasing the contest. Akor Adams momentarily revived hope, but DR Congo buried their fourth kick to clinch a 4–3 victory.

The defeat means Nigeria will miss the FIFA World Cup for the second straight edition, a crushing blow for a team that battled into the final after a spectacular 4–1 extra-time win over Gabon. DR Congo, who edged Cameroon 1–0 in their semi-final, now advance to the intercontinental playoffs with a World Cup ticket still within reach.

As the Leopards celebrate and prepare for their next hurdle, Chelle’s allegations add an unexpected twist to a night already packed with drama — ensuring this clash will be remembered for far more than its scoreline.