Former Super Eagles defender Ifeanyi Udeze has pushed back strongly against Eric Chelle’s controversial suggestion that DR Congo relied on voodoo during the penalty shootout of Sunday’s World Cup play-off defeat, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria’s dream of qualifying for the 2026 tournament came to a painful end after a 1-1 draw in normal and extra time was settled from the spot, with DR Congo edging a 4–3 victory.
What should have been a routine post-match moment quickly descended into chaos, as tempers flared on the sidelines and Chelle confronted the opposing bench following Chancel Mbemba’s winning penalty.
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The Super Eagles coach later claimed his frustration stemmed from observing a DR Congo staff member making unusual gestures and sprinkling a substance on the turf before each Nigerian kick, actions he interpreted as an attempt to influence the shootout through supernatural means.
Udeze, however, has dismissed Chelle’s claims, insisting that the Leopards won the game simply because they deserved the win.
What Ifeanyi Udeze said
“Voodoo is not the reason Super Eagles lost, DR Congo deserved to win because they showed character, they showed that they want to go to the World Cup,” Udeze said, per quotes from Complete Sport.
Udeze, who earned 35 caps for the Super Eagles during his playing days, also directed his ire at these players, berating them for not showing up in the game and ultimately letting the country down.
”We always blame the NFF for everything but this time the players should take the blame. The NFF, NSC and even the federal government did everything to make sure the World Cup ticket was secured but the players let everyone down. For me I will call out the players because they didn’t show up.”
With emotions still raw after the heartbreaking exit, Udeze’s stance serves as a pointed reminder that accountability must lie on the pitch rather than in unproven claims. The Super Eagles must confront the realities of their performance and strive for improvement ahead of the upcoming AFCON.
