Complete Nonsense’ – Former DR Congo Coach Florent Ibenge Refutes Eric Chelle’s Voodoo Allegation

Former DR Congo national team coach, Florent Ibenge, has strongly dismissed claims made by Eric Chelle, the former assistant coach of the Nigerian national team, that the Leopards resorted to voodoo rituals to influence the outcome of their World Cup qualifying playoff final against the Super Eagles in Morocco.

Chelle had alleged that a member of the DR Congo technical staff allegedly performed voodoo practices to gain an advantage over Nigeria. These claims came immediately after Nigeria’s heartbreaking 4-3 defeat in the penalty shootout, which ultimately ended the Super Eagles’ dream of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted across the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Reacting to Chelle’s assertions, Ibenge described the allegation as “complete nonsense”, emphasizing that there was no truth or basis to the idea that any spiritual practices influenced the game. He highlighted that the team’s success was the result of tactical preparation, hard work, and determination, rather than any supernatural interference.

The playoff match, which ended in a tense and dramatic penalty shootout, will be remembered as one of the most intense clashes in African football history, with DR Congo securing a historic victory. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s absence from the 2026 World Cup has sparked discussions among fans and analysts about the future strategies of the Super Eagles, including coaching decisions, player selections, and preparation methods for upcoming international tournaments.

Many football enthusiasts have reacted on social media, with opinions split between supporting Chelle’s claims as a psychological explanation for the defeat and backing Ibenge’s firm stance against superstition in sports. This debate underscores the intense emotions and high stakes associated with international football, particularly during World Cup qualifying campaigns.