Nigeria’s coach, Eric Chili, attacked the Democratic Republic of Congo players, accusing them of using black magic to help them defeat the Super Eagles in the final of the African playoff for a place in the intercontinental playoff for the 2026 World Cup.
The match, held in Morocco, ended in a 1-1 draw in both regulation and extra time, leading to a penalty shootout which Congo won 4-3.
After their World Cup dream was dashed, Chili made angry statements, saying, “The Congolese players were practicing magic. During every penalty shootout, the Congolese players were practicing some kind of voodoo.”
The Malian coach was seen heading towards the Congolese bench after the match, attempting to attack some of the players and staff whom he accused of using magic against his country.
Congo qualified for the global play-off to be held in Mexico next March, with the participation of 6 teams, from which only two will qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
