Nigeria head coach, Eric Chelle has reportedly accused the Democratic Republic of Congo of using ‘voodoo’ during their penalty shoot-out victory over his team in the CAF World Cup play-off final.
DR Congo advanced to the intercontinental play-offs in March after defeating Nigeria 4-3 on penalties in their play-off final.
A shootout was necessary to separate the teams after the encounter finished in a 1-1 draw.
Defeat dented Nigeria’s hopes of reaching next summer’s event, signifying their second consecutive absence from the men’s World Cup.
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Chelle Unhappy With DR Congo’s Coaching Staff
Social media footage showed Chelle trying to confront DR Congo coaching staff members prior to the shootout’s last penalty.
Before grabbing a water bottle, the former Mali international was spotted yelling at the DR Congo staff while stretching out his arms.
A member of his own coaching staff restrained Chelle, but as Chancel Mbemba netted the game-winning penalty, the coach began to sprint in the direction of the opposing bench.
Once more, the Nigeria boss was restrained by his own people.
“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
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Chelle claimed their rivals had been “practicing voodoo” when questioned about the altercation.
“During the entire penalty shootout, the guy from DR Congo was doing voodoo,” Chelle told reporters after the match.
“Every time, every time, every time. That’s why I was a little nervous after him.”
When asked to describe what he saw, Chelle responded by swinging his right arm in the air, adding “Something like that.”
“I don’t know if it was water or something.”
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