Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has alleged that a member of DR Congo’s camp engaged in “voodoo” rituals during a penalty shootout that ended Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes on Sunday night in Rabat.

Nigeria were eliminated 4-3 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw across 120 minutes in the CAF Playoff final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, marking their second consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup.

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Speaking to journalists in a video shared by ESPN Africa on X, Chelle said he reacted out of frustration after observing what he described as repeated “signals” from the DR Congo technical area during VAR reviews for penalty decisions.

“During all the penalty decisions, a guy from Congo did some voodoo… every time, every time, every time,” Chelle said.

“So this is why I was a little nervous after him.”

When pressed to explain what he saw, the Nigerian coach suggested the individual appeared to be pouring or sprinkling something: “Something like that. I don’t know if it’s water or something like that.”

The claims could not be independently verified.

Nigeria had taken an early lead through Frank Onyeka’s deflected strike in the third minute, but the Leopards equalised in the 32nd minute through Meschack Elia.

Both nations created openings in extra time without finding a winner, sending the playoff final into a tense shootout.

Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon missed their kicks for Nigeria, while goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved DR Congo’s first attempt to keep the contest alive. Akor Adams buried Nigeria’s fourth penalty, but the Leopards held their nerve to win 4-3.

The result sends DR Congo into March’s Intercontinental Playoff as they chase their first World Cup appearance since 1974, when they competed as Zaire.