DR Congo Officials Used Spiritual Interference – Chelle After Super Eagles Defeat

Nigeria’s national team coach, Eric Chelle, has alleged that officials from the Democratic Republic of Congo engaged in what he described as “spiritual interference” during the tense penalty shoot-out that ended the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualifying campaign in Morocco.

Chelle voiced his concerns shortly after the match, insisting that his agitation on the touchline stemmed from unusual actions by a member of the Congolese staff. 

Moreover, his comments added a dramatic twist to a night already charged with raw emotion and frustration.

The Super Eagles had taken the lead early in the first half when Frank Onyeka’s drive was redirected into the net. 

However, DR Congo later responded through Mechak Elia, forcing the match into extra time and eventually penalties after a 1-1 deadlock.

Nigeria’s fortunes collapsed during the shoot-out. Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, and Semi Ajayi all failed to convert their efforts, allowing DR Congo to secure their place in next year’s intercontinental playoffs.

Chelle, still visibly stunned by the outcome, told journalists in Rabat that something odd was happening near the penalty spot. 

“One of their officials kept performing strange rituals,” he said, shaking his head. “It wasn’t something ordinary. I kept wondering why he was doing it, and it made me uneasy.”

He went on to describe what he witnessed. “He repeatedly threw or sprayed something into the air. I couldn’t tell if it was water or another substance, but the intention was clear enough to unsettle us,” Chelle claimed.

Furthermore, the coach suggested the act may have contributed to the tension that gripped his players during the decisive kicks. 

“You don’t expect to deal with that sort of distraction at this level,” he said. “It’s disappointing because football should be won on merit.”

The defeat means Nigeria must now wait four more years for another chance at the global stage, as DR Congo marches on to the final qualifying hurdle.

Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding Chelle’s remarks is likely to stir debate across African football circles, hence extending the fallout of a match already steeped in drama.