Following Nigeria's defeat to DR Congo in the African World Cup qualifying play-offs, which ended their hopes of reaching the World Cup finals, Nigerian coach Éric Chelle accused the opposing team of using black magic during the decisive penalty shootout.

When asked by reporters why he clashed with the DR Congo coach after the match, Chelle explained his frustration: "During all the penalty,the session, the guy of Congo did some voodoo. Every time. Every time So this is why i was little nervous after him."

Pressed further on what he saw, Chelle vividly described the action: "Yes, something like that" he said, making a motion with his fist. "—I don’t know if it is a water or something like that."

The bizarre accusation from the Nigerian coach suggests he believes the use of supposed witchcraft techniques was intended to interfere with his players' penalty-taking abilities, adding a highly controversial element to Nigeria's dramatic exit from the World Cup race.