Nigeria's coach, Eric Chelle, vehemently accused DR Congo of employing "maraboutage" and "voodoo" during their World Cup 2026 playoff final, which saw Nigeria eliminated. The contentious match concluded with DR Congo winning a penalty shootout 4-3, securing their progression to the inter-confederation playoffs.

The game saw Nigeria open the scoring in the 3rd minute through Frank Onyeka. Meschak Elia then equalized for DR Congo in the 32nd minute, bringing the score to 1-1. Following an undecided extra time period, the two teams proceeded to a penalty shootout. DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba successfully converted the decisive kick, giving his team the victory.

According to The Athletic, just before DR Congo's final penalty kick, coach Eric Chelle rushed towards the opposing coaching staff's area, reacting intensely. Nigerian team members were forced to intervene and restrain him.

Coach Eric Chelle reacts intensely before DR Congo's decisive penalty kick.

At the post-match press conference, DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre dismissed the incident as minor. However, Chelle expressed anger, stating, "Why did no one ask me about that? DR Congo players were performing maraboutage throughout the shootout; they were using charms."

In French, "maraboutage" refers to an act involving charms or spells, often associated with a type of North African sorcerer. Later, while passing through the mixed zone, Chelle further asserted in English, "During that shootout, they were doing voodoo."

Voodoo (or Vodou) is a concept often linked to spiritual rituals originating from West Africa, later spreading to the Caribbean region like Haiti. In popular culture, voodoo is frequently depicted as forms of "black magic", spells, or rituals intended to influence people's luck or misfortune. However, many scholars assert this is a misunderstanding, as voodoo is essentially a folk religion blending African traditions and Catholicism. In a football context, the term "voodoo" is often used figuratively to denote superstitious behavior or suggestive actions aimed at psychologically pressuring opponents, rather than a genuine religious ritual.

DR Congo players celebrate after defeating Nigeria in the African playoff final, securing their spot in the inter-confederation playoffs for a World Cup 2026 wildcard. *Photo: CAF*

The inter-confederation playoffs for a World Cup 2026 wildcard will feature six teams competing for the final two berths at the World Cup 2026. Currently, three teams have been confirmed: DR Congo, New Caledonia (Oceania), and Bolivia (South America).

Asia will have one representative chosen from the UAE - Iraq tie, with the first leg ending 1-1 and the return leg taking place on 18/11. The North, Central American, and Caribbean region (CONCACAF) has two slots for the two best-performing second-placed teams in the third qualifying round, currently Jamaica and Panama.

Once all teams are identified, they will be divided into two groups: seeded and unseeded. The two highest-ranked FIFA teams will receive a bye directly to the two branch finals, while the remaining four teams will play one-off semifinals. The two winners of the finals will become the final two teams for World Cup 2026. These playoffs are scheduled to take place in 3/2026.

Hong Duy (according to The Athletic)