Sports

Nigeria Coach Eric Chelle Alleges “Voodoo” Activity During World Cup Playoff Shootout

Published

11 months ago

November 17, 2025

Quick Summary:
ChelleVoodooClaim2025 as Nigeria’s head coach Eric Chelle alleges that a DR Congo team member engaged in “voodoo” acts during the penalty shootout that ended Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualification hopes.

Controversy After World Cup Exit

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has stirred controversy after alleging that a member of DR Congo’s technical team performed “voodoo” rituals during the penalty shootout that sealed Nigeria’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Nigeria lost 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw across 120 minutes in the CAF Playoff final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, marking the team’s second consecutive failure to qualify for the global tournament.

Chelle’s Allegation

Speaking to journalists in a video shared by ESPN Africa on X (formerly Twitter), Chelle said he became agitated after noticing what he described as “repeated signals” from the DR Congo bench 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 for details, the coach added that the individual appeared to be pouring or sprinkling something, though he could not confirm what it was.

The claims have not been independently verified.

Match Recap

Nigeria took an early lead in the third minute through a deflected strike by Frank Onyeka, but Meschack Elia equalised for DR Congo in the 32nd minute.

Both sides created chances in extra time but failed to score, sending the match into a tense penalty shootout that ended in heartbreak for the Super Eagles.

Reactions and Aftermath

The allegation has sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some calling for an investigation while others dismissed the claim as frustration following the defeat.

As of the time of this report, CAF and DR Congo’s Football Federation have not issued any official response to Chelle’s comments.

Related Topics:ChelleVoodooClaim2025 DRCongo EricChelle NigeriaFootball PhinadonMagazineNews superEagles worldcupqualifiers

Up Next

Éric Chelle Clarifies Victor Osimhen’s Substitution Amid Rumours of Dressing-Room Rift

Don't Miss

Peter Obi Urges Super Eagles to Stay Resilient After World Cup Qualifying Defeat

Click to comment

Sports

Why Ronaldo May Never Play for Portugal Again, Says His Sister Elma Aveiro.

Published

2 days ago

October 15, 2026

Emmanuel Ikechukwu

Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with Portugal has been thrown into uncertainty after his sister, Elma Aveiro, suggested that he may not represent the national team again.

Ronaldo was suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation after reportedly leaving the team camp during the UEFA Nations League. The Al Nassr forward was said to be angry with head coach Jorge Jesus after remaining on the bench during Portugal’s match against Croatia.

The dispute escalated when Ronaldo accused Jesus of “betrayal.” Aveiro has now indicated that the disagreement may be difficult to resolve.

Asked whether Ronaldo would return to the national team, she replied: “It’s more likely a NO than a YES. I think they’re both hurt. The situation has stalled.”

She added: “When we’re betrayed, it’s very difficult to go back to normal.”

The comments have raised further questions about whether Portugal’s captain has made his final international appearance.

Sports

NPFL Suspends Fan Over Threats to Match Officials.

Published

2 days ago

October 15, 2026

Emmanuel Ikechukwu

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has suspended football fan Jamilu Murtala from all league activities with immediate effect, citing continued threats to the safety of match officials and visiting teams.

The decision followed a complaint from Ranchers Bees, who currently use the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano as their temporary home ground. The club raised concerns over Murtala’s access to restricted areas of the pitch during their home fixtures, reportedly facilitated by the host state football association.

Ranchers Bees also dissociated themselves from Murtala, describing his conduct as disruptive and a recurring nuisance during their matches.

In response, the NPFL has barred him from league grounds to promote order and ensure the safety of all participants. Ranchers Bees will visit Ibadan on Sunday to face Shooting Stars, while their next home fixture is scheduled against Doma United on Sunday, 25 October 2026.

Sports

EPL: Martinez is seeking a departure from Manchester United.

Published

2 days ago

October 15, 2026

Emmanuel Ikechukwu

Lisandro Martinez is reportedly considering ending his time at Manchester United following criticism directed at the club’s technical director, Jason Wilcox.

United’s difficult run continued on Tuesday, when they suffered a 2–0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. The result marked their fifth consecutive match without a victory. After the game, Martinez openly expressed his frustration during a post-match exchange.

According to The Athletic, his comments have raised further questions about his future at Old Trafford. The Argentina international is entering the final year of his contract, although United retain the option to extend the agreement by an additional season.

Despite that provision, Martinez reportedly has no interest in prolonging his stay with the club. He is said to be keen on securing a future transfer to La Liga, potentially bringing his Manchester United career to an early conclusion.