Football: Eric Chelle has furious outburst as Nigeria crash out of 2026 World Cup qualification contention
Nigeria to miss second World Cup in succession
Nigerian football fans have been on a rollercoaster ride in recent years, having seen their side reach the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations before experiencing the painful low of failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Super Eagles endured a disjointed qualification campaign, during which they were forced to change managers twice and only barely scraped their way into the CAF World Cup Playoffs thanks to their FIFA ranking.
However, after a far from impressive performance against Gabon in the Playoff semi-final, the Super Eagles failed to bounce back on Sunday against DR Congo, playing to a 1-1 draw in regulation time before losing the penalty shootout 4-3.
Frank Onyeka gave Nigeria the lead just three minutes into the match, but Eric Chelle’s side were only able to hold on to their advantage for half an hour before Mechak Elia restored parity on the scoreboard and gave his team renewed vigour.
Victor Osimhen was forced off early in the second half due to an injury, and the Galatasaray striker was seen in tears at the final whistle. His fitness is now a major concern for Cimbom, given he had also picked up a knock during the last international break.
This marks the second consecutive World Cup that the Super Eagles will not be a part of, having also failed to qualify for Qatar 2022. DR Congo, meanwhile, will now set their sights on the inter-confederation playoffs in March next year.
Chelle makes “voodoo” accusations after Playoff penalty defeat
Nigeria’s entire World Cup qualification campaign was fraught with drama, from changes of leadership to players boycotting training just two days before their Playoff semi-final clash against Gabon last week.
During the penalty shootout against DR Congo, Fulham’s Calvin Bassey sent his effort over the crossbar, while Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi both had their spotkicks saved before Chancel Mbemba tucked away what turned out to be the winning penalty for the Leopards.
In the aftermath of the final kick, another huge flashpoint emerged, with Eric Chelle seen charging toward the opposing dugout before being restrained by his coaching staff.
In his post-match press conference, the Nigeria head coach revealed (while using hand gestures) that he saw a member of the DR Congo staff waving his hand as if sprinkling or shaking something. Chelle said:
“During all of the penalties the whole session, the guy of Congo did some voodoo, every time, every time, every time, so this is why I was a little nervous after him. I don’t know if it’s water or something like that.”
DR Congo’s officials responded to the allegations by brushing them aside, saying: “We do not engage in such practices,” before suggesting that the charged atmosphere of rivalry that comes with international football can lead to increased tensions.
