Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup dream ended in dramatic fashion on Sunday as the Super Eagles were knocked out by the Democratic Republic of Congo in a tense penalty shootout and coach Eric Chelle believes more than football was at play.

The playoff final in Rabat finished 1–1 after extra time before DR Congo triumphed 4–3 on penalties to advance to next year’s inter-confederation play-offs in Mexico. Substitute goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu proved the hero, saving two spot-kicks after replacing Lionel M’Pasi in the dying seconds of extra time.

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Nigeria, who led early through Frank Onyeka, were pegged back when Mechak Elia capitalised on a defensive lapse to level for the Congolese. With both sides growing cautious as the game wore on, penalties decided the outcome and left Nigeria stunned.

Speaking after the match, Chelle suggested that superstition might have played a role.

“In the penalty session, one of the people from Congo did some voodoo during all the penalties,” Chelle said. “This is why I was a little nervous after he did that. I saw him doing something, I wasn’t sure if it was water or something else.”

The defeat ends Nigeria’s bid to reach their first World Cup since 2018, while DR Congo now move within touching distance of returning to the global stage for the first time in more than 50 years.

Photo: Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images