Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in painful fashion in Rabat, where the Super Eagles were eliminated by DR Congo following a tense playoff final that went to penalties. But the aftermath became even more dramatic when head coach Éric Sékou Chelle made a stunning allegation about DR Congo’s behaviour during the shootout.
Chelle’s frustration erupts after shootout heartbreak
The final lived up to expectations, delivering intensity, physical battles, and high-pressure moments. Frank Onyeka gave Nigeria an early lead with a struck effort that took a deflection, only for Meschak Elia to level the match and extend the contest into extra time.
After 120 minutes without a breakthrough, the game headed to penalties. Stanley Nwabali produced two crucial saves to keep Nigeria in contention, but Semi Ajayi’s miss in sudden death proved decisive. Chancel Mbemba then converted Congo’s final spot-kick to seal their victory.
As the winning penalty hit the net, emotions ran high on the Nigerian bench. Cameras captured Chelle angrily confronting DR Congo officials, appearing close to throwing a water bottle before being held back by his assistants.
Chelle alleges ‘maraboutage’ during penalties
After the match, Chelle claimed that DR Congo players were involved in “maraboutage” — a term linked with spiritual manipulation — during the penalty shootout.
Speaking in French, the 48-year-old said, “The DR Congo players were doing maraboutage.”
He repeated the claim moments later in English while walking through the mixed zone:
“During all of the penalties, the players of Congo were doing some voodoo… that’s why I was angry with him.”
Congolese head coach Sébastien Desabre later downplayed the touchline confrontation, saying it was “not an issue,” but Chelle remained adamant about what he witnessed.
DR Congo denies claims as CAF reviews incident
The allegations quickly spread and prompted a direct denial from a DR Congo representative in comments made to The Athletic.
This controversy comes just hours after CAF confirmed that the match commissioner’s report will include the touchline clash involving Chelle — meaning the Super Eagles boss could still face disciplinary action regardless of his explanation for the outburst.
