Nigeria’s coach accused DR Congo of using voodoo in a 4-3 penalty shootout loss, which secured DR Congo a World Cup play-off spot.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle accused DR Congo of using voodoo rituals during their 4-3 penalty shootout win over Nigeria in the CAF World Cup play-off final, a match that ended 1-1 after extra time. Nigeria took an early lead through Frank Onyeka, but DR Congo equalized via Meschak Elia. Chelle, upset by the result, confronted DR Congo’s coach Sébastien Desabre after the final kick, claiming spiritual practices were used. DR Congo officials denied the allegations. The win secured DR Congo a spot in the March 2026 inter-confederation play-offs, where six teams from different confederations will compete for two World Cup berths.