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Nigeria’s head coach Eric Chelle has alleged DR Congo were 'practicing voodoo' during their penalty shoot-out victory over his side in a World Cup qualifier.
DR Congo earned a 4-3 victory over Nigeria on penalties to win their African World Cup play-off final, a result which will see them advance to the intercontinental play-offs in March.
The tie had ended in a 1-1 draw, leading to a shoot-out being required to separate the teams.
Defeat ended Nigeria's hopes of reaching next summer's showpiece, marking their second successive absence from the men's World Cup.
Footage published on social media, saw Chelle attempting to confront members of the DR Congo coaching staff before the final penalty of the shoot-out.
The former Mali international was seen with his arms outstretched and shouting towards the DR Congo staff, before picking up a water bottle.
🔥 OFF CAMERA DRAMA!! 🔥
Nigeria’s coach, Éric Sékou Chelle, was captured trying to fight just before the last penalty kick of the game! 😳
He was reportedly picking up a water bottle, seemingly aiming at a member of the DR Congo technical team.
The match commissioner will… pic.twitter.com/q4SRKbRa9a
Nigeria boss Eric Chelle alleged DR Congo were 'practicing voodoo during their penalty shoot-out win over his side, after he was spotted attempting to confront opposition coaching staff
Chelle was seen attempting to confront DR Congo staff as the final penalty was taken
DR Congo beat Nigeria in the play-off to advance the the intercontinental play-off round
Chelle was held back by a member of his own coaching staff, but as Chancel Mbemba scored the winning penalty, the coach started to run towards the opposite bench.
The Nigeria boss was again held back by his own staff.
When asked about the confrontation, Chelle alleged their rivals had been 'practicing voodoo.'
'During the entire penalty shootout, the guy from DR Congo was doing voodoo,' Chelle told reporters after the match.
'Every time, every time, every time. That's why I was a little nervous after him.'
When asked to describe what he saw, Chelle responded by swinging his right arm in the air, adding 'Something like that.'
'I don't know if it was water or something.'
According to the Athletic, a DR Congo representative has denied Chelle's allegation.
Chelle was seen running towards DR Congo staff immediately after the final penalty was taken
The Nigeria boss claimed post-match that the confrontation had been due to the opposition 'practicing voodoo', a claim DR Congo have denied
The win saw DR Congo emerge through Africa's play-offs to keep their World Cup hopes alive
Nigeria’s defeat will see the nation miss out on back-to-back World Cups, having also been absent from Qatar 2022.
Nigeria have been regulars at the World Cup since qualifying for the first time in 1994, with only Cameroon, Morocco and Tunisia having represented Africa more than the Super Eagles six appearances.
The Super Eagles had led the tie through a third minute goal by Frank Onyeka, but Meschack Elia equalised for DR Congo after the half hour mark.
The rest of the affair was somewhat cagey with the Nigerians losing much of their threat when Victor Osimhen was withdrawn at half-time through injury.
Chancel Mbemba scored the winning penalty in the shoot-out, just days after the former Newcastle defender had scored a stoppage time winner over Cameroon in the semi-final tie.
DR Congo will now participate in the intercontinental play-offs in March, with six nations battling for two spots at the World Cup.
They join Bolivia and New Caledonia as confirmed nations in the play-offs, with Iraq or the UAE set to represent Asia and two CONCACAF nations set to participate.
