Former DR Congo coach Florent Ibenge has dismissed suggestions by Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle that a member of the Congolese technical staff used voodoo during Nigeria’s dramatic World Cup playoff defeat in November.

Nigeria failed to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico after losing 4-3 on penalties to the Leopards, following a tense 1-1 draw in regular time.

Naija News reports that the result stunned many Nigerian supporters, and Chelle later alleged that a Congolese official carried out “voodoo” rituals as his players stepped up for their penalty kicks.

Speaking to ESPN, Ibenge, now coaching Tanzanian side Azam FC, called the allegation unfounded and rooted in harmful assumptions rather than anything he has witnessed in the game.

He added that he personally knows the staff member named by Chelle and believes the accusation has no basis in reality.

“As for voodoo, I don’t believe in it for a second,” he told ESPN. “Especially as I know the person who’s been accused of this very well. I spent seven years in Congolese football, and never once did I see a cause-and-effect relationship.

“It’s complete nonsense, it’s more folklore than anything else, and we’re just perpetuating legends, rumours etc. It is the legacy of our oral tradition that continues.”

With World Cup qualification now out of reach, Nigeria have shifted attention to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The Super Eagles are in Group C with Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania.

Naija News reports that Chelle has announced his 54-man provisional squad as preparations get underway. The Senegalese tactician who took charge of the Super Eagles in January 2025, will be aiming to guide Nigeria to a fourth continental title and lift the mood after the painful World Cup exit.

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