Nigerians roast Chelle over ‘voodoo’ claim after Eagles defeat to DR Congo

Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes ended in heartbreak on Sunday night after the Super Eagles fell 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo in the African playoff final in Rabat, Morocco.

The match started well for Nigeria, with Frank Onyeka giving the team an early lead in the third minute. DR Congo equalised in the 32nd minute through Meschack Elia, and both sides battled through 120 minutes without a winner. Stanley Nwabali made several crucial saves, while Nigeria struggled to maintain momentum after Victor Osimhen was substituted at half-time due to injury.

The penalty shootout began positively for Nigeria, with Akor Adams and Bruno Onyemaechi scoring, and Nwabali saving Axel Tuanzebe’s attempt. But misses by Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, and Semi Ajayi proved costly, allowing DR Congo to edge the shootout 4–3, with captain Chancel Mbemba converting the decisive penalty.

After the match, coach Éric Chelle claimed a DR Congo official “did some voodoo” during the shootout, suggesting it affected his players and contributed to tensions on the bench. The remark quickly drew widespread reaction on social media.

Fans mocked Chelle’s explanation, questioning why “voodoo” was not used in previous competitions and criticising his tactics.

Many argued that Nigeria lacked width, midfield control, and a plan B during the game. Some also linked the loss to broader frustrations with the Nigerian Football Federation:

“Eric Chelle blaming ‘voodoo’ instead of owning his tactics? Weak. Congo pressed smarter and buried their kicks while our players bottled it,” one fan wrote.

“As ridiculous as this response is… Eric really said this. You can’t make it up,” another added.

Fans also tied the loss to wider frustrations with the Nigerian Football Federation, accusing it of corruption and mismanagement:

“Everyone around me says this is how @thenff operates. Total shambles. Corrupt. So corrupt.