Watch: Eric Chelle Confronts DR Congo Staff Over Rituals During Shootout Loss

• Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle was caught on camera in a heated confrontation with DR Congo officials after the Super Eagles crashed out of the 2026 World Cup playoffs.

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle appeared visibly furious during the chaotic end to Sunday’s penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo, with viral clips showing the Super Eagles coach involved in heated exchanges with members of the Congolese technical crew.

Footage circulating online shows Chelle aggressively reacting as tempers flared near the technical area. In one clip, the coach is seen picking up a water bottle and moving toward a section of the DR Congo staff before being restrained by players and officials. The tension came moments after Nigeria were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs following a dramatic 4–3 defeat on penalties after a 1–1 draw over 120 minutes.

Some social media users alleged that DR Congo players were performing ‘voodoo’ rituals during the shootout, claims that have not been verified by any official source. 

What is clear from broadcast footage is that Congolese players were seen gathering in a huddle and making gestures during the shootout, which sparked reactions online. However, neither CAF nor the match officials have made any statement supporting the allegations.

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The Super Eagles’ frustration was evident after Semi Ajayi, Moses Simon, and Calvin Bassey missed their penalties, while DR Congo converted four of their six attempts to book their place in the intercontinental playoffs. The result ends Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup, marking their first failure to qualify since the 2006 edition.

As the dust settles, both CAF and the NFF are expected to review the heated confrontation captured on camera, though no disciplinary announcements have been made.