Eric Chelle has stirred fresh debate around Nigeria’s World Cup exit after alleging that DR Congo players used “juju” during the tense penalty shootout in Rabat, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria’s World Cup journey had already reached a difficult point before the drama in Morocco. The team had missed out on the automatic qualification spot after finishing second in their group, which sent them into the CAF playoff.
The playoff final itself had started well for Chelle’s side. Frank Onyeka found the net within the opening minutes, but Meschack Elia brought DR Congo level before the break.
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The contest remained locked through the second half and extra time, and Nigeria eventually fell 4 to 3 on penalties. Chelle, however, suggested there was more to the shootout than missed kicks.
When asked why he appeared “a bit frustrated” with some members of the DR Congo staff, he responded, “During all of the penalties, the players of Congo were doing some kind of voodoo rituals.”
As confirmed in a report by The Athletic, the Super Eagles coach, speaking in French, said the Congolese players were involved in what he called “maraboutage”, a term associated with Muslim holy men but also linked to North African spiritual practices.
He insisted that those actions were visible during the penalty sequence and claimed it affected the shootout. The 48 year old then repeated the allegation in English in the mixed zone.
A representative of DR Congo, when approached by reporters, dismissed Chelle’s claims as completely false and unfounded.
I hadn’t considered this angle before. It’s refreshing!
This was a great reminder for me. Thanks for posting.