Despite an early goal in the 3rd minute by Frank Onyeka, Nigeria conceded an equalizer in the 32nd minute, ending regulation time in a 1-1 draw. The subsequent extra time saw no further goals, leading to a fateful penalty shootout.
In the shootout, captain Chancel Mbemba successfully converted the decisive penalty, securing a 4-3 victory for DR Congo after 120 minutes of intense play.
Immediately following the bitter penalty shootout defeat, Nigeria’s head coach Eric Sekou Chelle ignited controversy with shocking accusations against opponents DR Congo.
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle showing frustration after his team missed out on the 2026 World Cup
During the tense post-match press conference, Coach Chelle unhesitatingly accused DR Congo players of using spiritual tricks throughout the decisive penalty shootout.
The strategist stated in the press conference, looking visibly upset: “The DR Congo players were constantly performing witchcraft. During the penalty shootout, they performed some rituals… that’s why I got angry.”
When asked for more details, Chelle described with a right-hand gesture, adding: “Something like that… I’m not sure if it was water or something else.”
These shocking statements immediately sparked a major controversy in the football community. The Athletic promptly contacted representatives of DR Congo, who denied all accusations of unsportsmanlike conduct or superstition.
Just hours after Coach Chelle’s shocking allegations of spiritual trickery, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that the match delegate’s report would include the touchline altercation involving him.
This means Coach Chelle risks facing a heavy penalty from CAF. This double setback officially stripped Nigeria of their chance to participate in the 2026 World Cup and dealt a significant blow to the pride of one of Africa’s leading football nations.
Notably, this is the second consecutive time Nigeria, a six-time World Cup participant, has missed out on the planet’s biggest football spectacle.
The African qualifiers have concluded, with nine outstanding national teams topping their respective groups to directly qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals: Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Cabo Verde, and South Africa.
DR Congo is the only team to secure a spot in the Intercontinental Play-offs taking place in March 2026. Besides Nigeria, another major African team that missed out on the 2026 World Cup is Cameroon.
