Former Democratic Republic of Congo head coach Florent Ibenge has strongly dismissed claims made by Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle that a member of the Leopards’ technical staff used voodoo during Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup playoff defeat in November.

Nigeria missed out on qualifying for the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico after losing 4-3 on penalties to the Leopards, with regular time ending 1-1. 

The shocking elimination triggered controversy when Chelle alleged that a Congolese official performed “voodoo” rituals as Nigerian players prepared to take their spot kicks.

Speaking to ESPN, Ibenge, now head coach of Tanzania’s Azam FC, described the accusations as baseless and rooted in stereotypes rather than facts. 

He noted that he personally knows the staff member accused by Chelle and insists the suggestion of spiritual interference is unfounded.

"As for voodoo, I don't believe in it for a second," Tanzania-based Ibenge 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 the legacy of our oral tradition that continues."

With World Cup qualification now out of reach, the Super Eagles have shifted their focus to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. 

Nigeria, who has been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, recently released a 54-man provisional list to commence preparations for the continental showpiece.

Chelle, who took over the Eagles job in January 2025, will be hoping to lead Nigeria to a fourth continental title as he looks to put the World Cup disappointment behind him.

Adeyemi Adewale