Éric Sékou Chelle, the Head Coach of the Nigerian male National Team the Super Eagles, has cried out following his side missing out on a place in the continental playoffs for the 2026 World Cup.
According to the under-fire Nigerian head coach, DR Congo’s players and technical team during the penalty shootout did some voodoo.
He highlighted that the DR Congo’s players and technical team were sprinkling something on the pitch during the penalty shootouts.
Speaking to some Journalists after the game, Éric Sékou Chelle lamented, “During all the penalty decisions, the guy from Congo did some voodoo. Every time, and so this is why I was nervous after him. Something like, I don’t know if it was water.”
Nigeria was dumped out of the 2026 World Cup after losing 3-4 to DR Congo in penalties in the playoffs in Morocco.
In related news, the Black Stars on 12 October 2025, officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after finishing the qualifiers as leaders in their Group.
Ghana defeated Comoros 1-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium, with Mohammed Kudus scoring the only goal in the game.
After 10 games in group I, the Black Stars topped the table with 25 points, Madagascar second with 19 points, Mali third with 18 points, Comoros 15, Central African Republic 8 and Chad in sixth place with 1.
Ghana joined the list of qualified countries on the African continent, with Coach Otto Addo now becoming the first Black Stars coach to reach two consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments.
Also, the Government of Ghana, in the 2026 budget, has allocated GH₵150 million to the senior national football team, the Black Stars.
The GH₵150 million has been allocated to the Black Stars as part of Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson announced on Thursday, November 13, 2025, while presenting the 2026 Budget Statement.
He revealed that the allocation is part of the government’s broader commitment to support national teams’ participation and to enhance sports development.
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson stated, “The government’s sustained investment in sports yielded impressive results, with the Black Stars qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup”.
“An amount of GH¢150 million has been allocated for the Black Stars to participate in the World Cup,” he added.
Dr Forson further emphasised the government’s commitment to improving sports infrastructure and talent development nationwide.
Watch the video below:
“During all the penalties, the guy from DR Congo did some voodoo.”
— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) November 17, 2025
Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle explains why tempers flared between him and the DR Congo staff at the end of the World Cup playoff final. pic.twitter.com/nMyTIcqlTT