Eric Chelle says DR Congo used rituals in dramatic penalty win

The Super Eagles were eliminated after a 4-3 penalty loss, following a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium - a result that confirmed the Super Eagles' absence from a second consecutive FIFA World Cup.

Chelle's claims surfaced in a video posted by ESPN Africa on X on Monday, where he addressed the media shortly after the match. Visibly frustrated, the coach insisted that suspicious gestures from the DR Congo technical area unsettled him during a VAR review for a penalty incident.

"During all the penalty decisions, a guy from Congo did some voodoo… Every time, every time, every time," Chelle said, as quoted by TVC News. When pressed to describe what he witnessed, he added while demonstrating a hand motion: "Something like that. I don't know if it's water or something like that."

The term "voodoo," widely used in football folklore, refers to a set of spiritual or ritual practices often associated with attempts to influence luck, outcomes, or performance. Though unproven, accusations of opponents resorting to supernatural methods occasionally surface after high-stakes matches - typically in moments of disappointment or emotional strain.

Nigeria had taken the lead just three minutes into the final when Frank Onyeka reacted quickest to smash home from close range, injecting early confidence into the side.

However, despite creating several promising chances, the Super Eagles failed to extend their advantage, allowing DR Congo to claw their way back before ultimately prevailing in the shootout.

DR Congo now advances as Africa's representative to the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March 2025.