Nigeria coach, Eric Chelle, has alleged that a DR Congo staff member used “voodoo” (charm) during the penalty shootout of Sunday’s World Cup playoff in Rabat.

Michelle’s allegation is coming after the Super Eagles were knocked out of the race for the 2026 tournament.

Nigeria’s campaign ended in a 4–3 defeat on penalties after the match finished 1–1 across 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The implication of the outcome is that the Super Eagles will miss the World Cup for the second consecutive year.

In a video seen by NEWSMAXNG on ESPN Africa’s X on Monday, Chelle would be seen speaking to journalists after the match, stating that some Congo guy did voodoo during the penalty decision which made him (Chelle) feel frustrated.

“During all the penalty decision, a guy of Congo did some voodoo… Every time, every time, every time. So this is why I was a little nervous after him,” he said.

When asked to explain what he saw, Chelle added while gesturing: “Something like that. I don’t know if it’s water or something like that.”

During the Sunday March, Nigeria through Frank Onyeka had taken a lead in the third minute before M. Elia drew DR Congo level in the 32nd minute.

While Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon failed to convert Nigeria’s early kicks, Nwabali saved DR Congo’s first attempt to keep the contest balanced.

With Akor Adams’ effort Nigeria stayed in contention before DR Congo scored their fourth penalty to seal the 4–3 win.

With the result, DR Congo secured a win into the intercontinental playoff for a chance to secure one of the remaining tickets to the expanded 48-team World Cup scheduled to hold in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Earlier on Thursday, Nigeria had reached the final with a 4–1 extra-time win over Gabon in the, while DR Congo defeated Cameroon 1–0 to book their place.

With Sunday’s game, the Super Eagles were defeated while DR Congo continues.