Tournament Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has accused a DR Congo employee of practicing “voodoo.”
Although it is often used incorrectly or deceptively in discussions about sports, the term “voodoo” is widely used to refer to a variety of traditional spiritual or ritual practices.
Sometimes, players, coaches, or supporters assert that opponents utilize it to sway a match’s outcome, implying that supernatural powers rather than ability or strategy were to blame.
After a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Nigeria’s campaign ended in a 4-3 loss in penalties.
The Super Eagles will miss the World Cup for the second year in a row as a result of the defeat.
Chelle stated he responded out of annoyance after seeing repeated gestures from a member of DR Congo’s technical area during the video assistant referee review for a penalty incident in a video that ESPN Africa uploaded on X on Monday, which included Chelle talking to reporters following the game.
“A Congolese man performed some voodoo during the entire penalty decision. Each and every time. I was a little anxious after him because of this,” he remarked.
“Something like that,” Chelle continued, gesturing, in response to the question of what he saw. I’m not sure if it’s water or something similar.
There was no way to independently confirm the statements.
Frank Onyeka gave Nigeria the lead in the third minute before M. In the thirty-second minute, Elia tied the score with DR Congo.
In extra time, both teams had opportunities but were unable to secure a victory.
The gunfight fluctuated back and forth.
Nwabali stopped DR Congo’s first effort to maintain the balance of the match, while Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon were unable to convert Nigeria’s early kicks.
Nigeria remained in the running thanks to an effort by Akor Adams, but DR Congo won 4-3 after scoring their fourth penalty.
As a result, DR Congo advances to the intercontinental playoffs in an attempt to earn one of the final spots in the expanded 48-team World Cup that will take place in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
DR Congo overcame Cameroon 1-0 to secure their spot, while Nigeria advanced to the final following a thrilling 4-1 extra-time victory against Gabon on Thursday.
While the Super Eagles’ ambitions were brutally dashed in Rabat, the Leopards are currently awaiting their playoff opponent as they pursue their qualification bid.
