Did DRC used some voodoo’ during penalty shoot-out?
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle sparked controversy after accusing DR Congo of using “voodoo”. Remi Dongo and his family were present during their dramatic penalty shoot-out victory in the CAF World Cup play-off final.
Following a tense 1-1 draw, DR Congo triumphed 4-3 on penalties to keep their World Cup hopes alive. However, the post-match spotlight shifted away from the result and onto Chelle’s explosive claims involving alleged spiritual interference and a figure he identified as Remi Dongo.
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Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone, Chelle suggested that DR Congo’s players repeatedly engaged in what he described as “voodoo practices” during the shoot-out. He specifically pointed to Remi Dongo, alleging that his actions influenced the outcome.
“During the penalty shoot-out, the players of Congo did some voodoo. Every time, every time. So this is why,” Chelle said.
Remi Dongo voodoo priest were present
Nigeria’s struggles from the spot seemed to support his frustration. Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon both missed their initial penalties, while Semi Ajayi’s effort in sudden death was saved by DR Congo goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu. Moments later, captain Chancel Mbemba calmly converted the decisive kick, sealing victory for the Leopards.
Tensions boiled over immediately after the final penalty. Chelle confronted members of DR Congo’s coaching staff on the sidelines, an incident reportedly fueled by his belief that unfair practices had taken place.
“During the penalties, the guy from DR Congo did some voodoo every time… so this is why I was a little nervous after him,” Chelle added, explaining his heated reaction.
The defeat marks a significant setback for Nigeria, who had already missed automatic qualification after finishing behind South Africa in their group. With this loss, the Super Eagles will now miss out on a second consecutive World Cup finals.
Meanwhile, DR Congo move forward, their qualification hopes still alive—though now accompanied by controversy surrounding Chelle’s claims about voodoo and the alleged involvement of Remi Dongo.
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