DR Congo did some ‘Juju’ – Eric Chelle explains why Super Eagles missed out on back-to-back World Cups

Nigeria’s head coach Éric Chelle has revealed that a bizarre ritual performed by a DR Congo staff member during the penalty shootout sparked the post-match confrontation that marred the Super Eagles’ dramatic World Cup playoff final on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters after the heated exchange on the touchline, Chelle pointed to what he described as repeated “voodoo” gestures made by a member of the Leopards’ backroom team each time a Nigerian player stepped up to take a spot-kick.

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“During all the penalties, the guy from DR Congo did some voodoo, every time, every time. This is why I was a little nervous after him,” Chelle said.

He added, “I saw it clearly. Every kick, he was doing something with his hands, muttering. It got into the players’ heads.”

Chelle, who took charge of Nigeria in March, insisted the episode would not detract from his team’s achievement.

“We qualified because we were stronger, not because of any magic. But when you see something like that in such a big moment, you react. It’s human,” he said.

“During all the penalties, the guy from DR Congo did some voodoo.”

Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle explains why tempers flared between him and the DR Congo staff at the end of the World Cup playoff final. pic.twitter.com/nMyTIcqlTT

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The incident occurred after DR Congo edged Nigeria 4-3 on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw.

Video footage shows Chelle pointing animatedly at the Congolese bench before security intervened.

The Super Eagles now turn their attention to the 2025 African Cup of Nations in Morocco scheduled for December.