Nigeria manager Éric Chelle has blamed 'voodoo' for his team's dramatic penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in a World Cup qualifying playoff. The Super Eagles lost 4-3 on penalties in Rabat after a 1-1 draw, meaning they will miss consecutive World Cups for the first time since 1990.
Chelle confronted the DR Congo coaching staff after the decisive spot-kick, alleging they had performed 'maraboutage' – a term for acts of magic or bewitchment. He claimed a member of the opposing staff was making gestures as if sprinkling a liquid during the shootout. DR Congo manager Sébastien Desabre downplayed the incident, saying it was 'not an issue'.
Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong did not echo his manager's claims but expressed devastation at the result. 'We are devastated. I am proud of the boys, they gave everything,' he said. 'There are plenty of positives to take away. The future of this team is promising … but today is a very difficult day.'
The match saw Nigeria take an early lead through Frank Onyeka in the third minute, but Meschak Elia equalised soon after. Nigeria's attack faltered after striker Victor Osimhen was substituted at half-time with a hamstring problem. DR Congo dominated extra time, with Fiston Mayele having two efforts disallowed, while Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made a crucial save to deny Chancel Mbemba.
In the penalty shootout, Nigeria missed their first two spot-kicks through Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon. Nwabali saved Axel Tuanzebe's penalty to give Nigeria hope, but Semi Ajayi's sudden-death effort was saved by DR Congo substitute goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu, who had been brought on specifically for penalties. Mbemba then scored to send DR Congo through to the inter-confederation playoffs.
DR Congo, who have only played in the World Cup once before in 1974, will now face New Caledonia in a further playoff for a place at next year's tournament. Desabre praised his team's spirit, saying: 'It's difficult to start a match down 1-0 early. But the team spirit remained high and we chose to try and control the game.'
