Nigeria’s hopes of returning to the FIFA World Cup were extinguished on Sunday after a dramatic play-off final that ended in controversy, confrontation and allegations of superstition.
DR Congo defeated the Super Eagles 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, securing their qualification and sending Nigeria home empty-handed for the second consecutive cycle.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) World Cup play-off final in Morocco had already been tense, but tempers flared moments after DR Congo netted the decisive spot-kick.
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle stormed towards the opposition technical area, accusing DR Congo players of practising “voodoo” during the shootout. The confrontation quickly escalated, and members of Chelle’s backroom staff were forced to restrain him.
Witnesses reported heated exchanges between the two benches as security personnel intervened. Chelle did not elaborate publicly on what prompted the accusation, but his anger was evident as he gestured toward DR Congo’s players and staff before being pulled away.
The match had begun positively for Nigeria, who entered the final with renewed confidence following their impressive 4-1 semi-final win over Gabon last Thursday. Midfielder Frank Onyeka gave the Super Eagles the perfect start, scoring inside the opening three minutes after a sharp attacking move.
But DR Congo recovered well and equalised just after the half-hour mark through Meschak Elia, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot home. The match remained finely balanced, with both sides creating chances but failing to find a winner in regular time.
In the penalty shootout, DR Congo goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu emerged as the hero. His crucial save against Semi Ajayi handed captain Chancel Mbemba the opportunity to seal qualification.
Mbemba converted calmly, sparking ecstatic celebrations from the Congolese players and prompting the chaotic scenes on the touchline. For Nigeria, the defeat marks another painful setback in a qualification journey that began with high expectations.
With star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman in the squad, fans had hoped the Super Eagles would avoid a repeat of their failure to reach the 2022 World Cup. Instead, their campaign ended in disappointment and controversy.
Chelle’s post-match complaint adds a dramatic layer to an already bitter night for Nigerian football. While allegations of supernatural interference are not uncommon in African football folklore, they rarely surface publicly at elite international events.
CAF has not yet addressed the incident, but disciplinary action could follow if the confrontation is deemed to have breached conduct regulations.
DR Congo, meanwhile, celebrated a hard-fought qualification that solidifies their resurgence on the continental stage. The team’s composure in the shootout and resilience after a poor start earned praise from their supporters and coaching staff.
As Nigeria reflect on another missed World Cup, questions are likely to intensify around the team’s preparation, discipline and coaching direction. For now, the focus remains on Chelle’s explosive accusation—an episode that ensured the night will be remembered as much for its controversy as its football.
