Nigeria Coach Blames WCQ Loss on Opponent’s ‘Voodoo’ Practices
Nigeria’s national football team faced a heart-wrenching elimination from World Cup contention following a penalty shootout against the Democratic Republic of Congo. This loss, which occurred on November 17, 2025, has led to significant outcry and controversy surrounding the match.
Nigeria’s Early Lead and Dramatic Equalizer
During the crucial World Cup qualifier, Nigeria initially took the lead with a goal from Frank Onyeka. However, Meschack Elia of Congo DR equalized, pushing the match into a penalty shootout. The final tally saw DR Congo emerge victorious with a score of 4-3 in the shootout, securing their spot in the competition.
Coach Éric Chelle’s Controversial Claim
Following the defeat, Nigeria’s head coach, Éric Chelle, made headlines by attributing his team’s loss to alleged “voodoo” practices used by the opposing team. Chelle stated, “During all the penalty decisions, the Congo player did some voodoo. This is why I was a little nervous.” His comments raised eyebrows as he failed to provide detailed evidence to support his claims.
- Date: November 17, 2025
- Event: Nigeria vs. DR Congo World Cup Qualifier
- Nigeria’s Goal: Frank Onyeka
- DR Congo’s Goal: Meschack Elia
- PEN Shootout Result: DR Congo won 4-3
- Nigeria’s Ranking: 19 places higher than DR Congo
Impact of the Loss on Nigeria’s Football Future
This defeat marks a significant moment for Nigerian football, as it condemns the team to miss their second consecutive World Cup since 2018. The loss has sparked discussions about the potential wasted opportunities for one of Africa’s most talented teams.
As fans and analysts digest the implications of the match, attention now turns to the future of Nigerian football and what measures will be implemented to return the national team to World Cup glory.
