Nigeria vs DR Congo: Super Eagles penalty agony & Eric Chelle’s sensational explanation

The Super Eagles’ exit from the World Cup playoff final in Rabat was overshadowed by a heated post-match controversy, as Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle accused the DR Congo contingent of resorting to what he described as “voodoo” during the penalty shootout. 

The tension flared moments after Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive kick to hand DR Congo a 4-3 shootout win following a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes. Chelle stormed toward the Congolese technical area immediately after the match, confronting members of their staff and exchanging words with head coach Sébastien Desabre before Nigeria’s backroom crew intervened. 

The altercation caught the attention of those inside the stadium, prompting questions about what had ignited such a reaction from the usually composed manager.

“During all the penalties, the guy from DR Congo did some voodoo.”

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

— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) November 17, 2025

DR Congo had clawed back into the game after Frank Onyeka’s early opener, with Meschak Elia drawing them level at the half-hour mark. Nigeria created the better chances in extra time but could not find a breakthrough, and the miss-filled shootout condemned them to another World Cup heartbreak.

What’s next for Eric Chelle and the Super Eagles?

Desabre dismissed the touchline incident during his press conference, saying it was “nothing serious.” Chelle, however, later told reporters that he was angered by what he claimed were repeated gestures from the opposing bench during the spot-kicks. DR Congo officials flatly denied the accusations when contacted.

Nigeria now turn their focus to the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, but the bigger question hangs over Chelle’s future. The Malian coach was hired with a clear mandate: return Nigeria to the World Cup. With that objective missed, and the manner of the exit piling pressure on the technical crew, the Nigeria Football Federation will have to decide quickly whether Chelle remains the man to lead the team into next month’s continental tournament.

The Super Eagles are drawn against Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda, and the federation faces a critical decision at a crucial moment for Nigerian football.