Archive · 18 Nov 2025
Nigeria's World Cup Hopes Dashed; Coach Alleges 'Voodoo' in Loss to DR Congo
Nigeria's soccer team lost a big game against DR Congo, which means they won't get to play in the next World Cup.
Their coach is upset and thinks the other team used magic tricks to make his players miss their shots.
Nigeria's important player got hurt, and the other team's coach made a smart move by putting in a new goalie right before the penalty kicks, who then saved some of Nigeria's shots.
Nigeria lost 4-3 on penalties to DR Congo, ending their hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This is Nigeria's second consecutive failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria's head coach Éric Chelle alleged that DR Congo staff used 'voodoo' during the penalty shootout.
Key Nigerian player Victor Osimhen sustained an injury and had to be substituted during the match.
DR Congo's coach made a strategic substitution, bringing in goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu who saved two crucial kicks during the shootout.
- Who
- Nigeria's national football team (Super Eagles) and DR Congo's national football team
- What
- Nigeria was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after losing a playoff final to DR Congo in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.
- When
- November 17, 2025 (Implied date of match)
- Where
- Unspecified African playoff location
- Why
- Nigeria failed to qualify after losing the penalty shootout. Head coach Éric Chelle cited alleged 'voodoo' practices by DR Congo staff as a disruptive factor during the shootout.
Nigeria Coach Éric Chelle
DR Congo Staff
Allegations of 'Voodoo' Practices
Nigeria Coach Éric Chelle
Éric Chelle accused DR Congo staff members of using 'voodoo' during the penalty shootout, expressing nervousness over their repeated actions and believing it contributed to Nigeria's loss.
DR Congo Staff
DR Congo staff engaged in actions, described by Nigeria's coach as 'voodoo,' which appeared to involve rituals or gestures during the penalty shootout, such as a staff member shaking a water bottle.
- Match Result
- DR Congo won 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
- Tournament
- 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (CAF)
- Nigeria's Status
- Failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, marking their second consecutive failure.
- Key Nigerian Players Affected
- Victor Osimhen (injured and substituted), Ademola Lookman (in squad), Moses Simon (missed penalty), Semi Ajayi (missed penalty).
- DR Congo's Tactical Move
- Head coach Sebastien Desabre substituted goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi for Timothy Fayulu in the 119th minute specifically for the penalty shootout.
- Goalkeeper Performance (DR Congo)
- Timothy Fayulu saved two penalties during the shootout.
Sources
Voodoo Chaos! Nigeria Blame Congo For Using 'Dark Magic' During 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier | WATCH
Bizaree! Head Coach Éric Chelle Alleges DR Congo Of Using 'Voodoo' After Nigeria's FIFA World Cup 2026 Hopes End
Nigeria football coach alleges Congo team member did ‘some voodoo’ in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying game
