Nigeria crash out of World Cup race amid dramatic shootout and ‘voodoo’ claims

The Super Eagles of Nigeria suffered a dramatic exit from Fifa World Cup 2026 qualifying after falling to Democratic Republic of Congo in a penalty shootout marred by allegations of supernatural interference.

Sunday night’s high-stakes CAF play-off encounter at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat ended in a 1-1 draw after 120 tense minutes. In the subsequent shootout, DRC prevailed 4-3, effectively ending Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the showpiece event in the US, Canada and Mexico next year.

After the match, Nigeria’s head coach Eric Chelle raised eyebrows with allegations that a member of DRC’s technical team engaged in “voodoo” practices during the penalty shootout. Chelle expressed his frustration to the media, claiming he noticed “repeated signals” from the Congolese camp during the VAR reviews of key penalty decisions.

“During all of the penalties, the players of Congo were doing some voodoo,” Chelle asserted emphatically in the mixed zone, later reiterating his claims in English for clarity. He elaborated, suggesting that he had observed an individual from DR Congo who appeared to be sprinkling or pouring something during the shootout, which fostered unease among the Nigerian players.

“Something like that. I don’t know if it’s water or something like that,” Chelle stated, calling into question the professionalism and integrity of the opposing team.

The Ivory Coast-born coach’s controversial remarks, however, have drawn criticism, with a representative from DRC promptly denying the allegations.

“We do not engage in such practices,” the representative responded, reflecting the charged atmosphere of rivalry and tension that often accompanies international football.

In the penalty shootout, Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon both failed to convert their spot-kicks, while Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali managed to save DRC’s first attempt. Ultimately, after Akor Adams scored Nigeria’s fourth penalty, the pressure mounted, but DR Congo displayed composure under fire to clinch victory.

This triumph propels them into the Intercontinental Playoff slated for March, marking their bid for a historic return to the World Cup stage – their first since appearing as Zaire in 1974.

As tensions rise and the dust settles on this fierce encounter, the repercussions could have lasting effects, not only on the future of Nigerian football but also on how narratives around mystical beliefs continue to intersect with the beautiful game.