Nigeria: Eric Chelle calms the controversy after his accusations of witchcraft against DR Congo

Eliminated by the RD Congo after a tense play-off, Nigeria saw the controversy grow following Eric Chelle’s remarks, before the coach backtracked on his statements to calm things down.

“Throughout the whole session, a member of the Congolese staff was, in my view, doing voodoo magic,” Eric Chelle said at a press conference in Rabat on Sunday, after Nigeria’s defeat to the RDC in the 2026 World Cup play-offs. “That’s why I was nervous about him.” Pressed on what he had observed, the Nigerian coach added: “He was spraying something… I don’t know if it was water or something else.”

Those comments immediately set social media alight, where several users — notably Congolese — labeled the Franco-Malian coach a sore loser. Faced with a controversy that kept growing, 24 hours later the Super Eagles coach broke his silence to ease the tension… and to offer his apologies.

“Football is about emotions. After the match, I reacted in the heat of the moment because of an altercation with a member of the RDC staff who was trying to come into my technical area. I never meant to target the Congolese people or their staff, whom I respect,” he said in his Instagram story. “Disappointed by our elimination, but proud of my players. Congratulations to Congo, who were better. Their fans showed great passion, as did ours. We move forward together for what comes next.” Enough to calm everyone?