World Cup Qualifier Ends in Chaos as Coach Confronts Rivals Amid ‘Voodoo’ Row
The 2026 World Cup line-up is nearing its completion.
One 2026 World Cup qualifier ended in utter chaos amid a shock 'voodoo' row.
This week, teams have been battling to seal a place in next summer's World Cup, which will take place across the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.
In the Confederation of Africa (CAF) play-offs, DR Congo were up against Nigeria.
Nigeria took an early lead through Frank Onyeka before Mechak Elia equalised in the 32nd minute.
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In the end, after 120 minutes of action, the match finished 1-1, with a penalty shootout required to decide the winners.
Ultimately, DR Congo came out victorious by winning the shootout 4-3.
Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi missed crucial spot kicks for the Super Eagles, ending their World Cup dream. Ex-Newcastle United man Chancel Mbemba scored the winning penalty to keep his country's hopes alive.
Looking ahead, DR Congo will still need to win from a six-team inter-continental play-off in March to book their World Cup spot.
So far, the likes of Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and South Africa have qualified through winning their groups in the CAF qualification round.
As the final whistle sounded, footage on social media showed Nigeria boss Eric Chelle being held back, and he had to be separated from a member of the DR Congo staff.
The 48-year-old was seen having words with his rivals before being pulled away from the situation.
According to a report by The Athletic, DR Congo boss Sebastien Desabre appeared first for his post-match press conference and said that the altercation was 'not an issue'.
Nigeria boss makes 'voodoo' claim after defeat by DR Congo
Speaking after the match, Chelle claimed that a member of the DR Congo staff was doing 'voodoo' during the penalty shootout.
He said: "During the entire penalty shootout, the guy from DR Congo was doing voodoo.
"Every time, every time, every time. This is why I was a little nervous after him."
While waving his hand, Chelle added: "Something like that. I don’t know if it’s water or something like that, you know."
Topics: Nigeria, Football World Cup, Football
Marcus Chan