DR Congo official rubbishes ‘voodoo’ claims by Nigeria coach Eric Chelle in World Cup playoff

Team Manager of the DR Congo national team, Dodo Landu has downplayed ‘voodoo’ claims by Nigeria coach Eric Chelle in the 2026 World Cup playoff.

The Super Eagles fell short to DR Congo on penalties in the final African World Cup playoff last Sunday, with the Leopards earning a spot in the intercontinental playoff, scheduled for March 2026.

Chelle was involved in a serious altercation with the technical team of DR Congo during the penalty shootouts.

The confrontation began when Chelle noticed Landu pacing, gesturing and murmuring near the touchline as players prepared for the decisive kicks.

The Malian coach appeared convinced the DR Congo official was trying to “interfere spiritually”, sparking an ugly scene as emotions boiled over.

Nigeria’s Semi Ajayi missed his penalty, allowing Chancel Mbemba to score the winner. As DR Congo players rushed to celebrate, Chelle charged toward Landu before being held back by security and staff.

After the match, Landu strongly rejected suggestions that he used any supernatural means, insisting he was simply supporting his captain. He said:

“During Chancel’s penalty kick, I was praying for him to score… Immediately, the Nigerian coach thought I was performing voodoo” he said.

Chelle has since apologized, saying the pressure of the moment influenced his reaction and stressing his respect for DR Congo. With World Cup hopes gone, he now turns attention to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria face a tough group including Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania.