Ibengé disagrees with Nigeria coach Chelle over voodoo allegations

Former Democratic Republic of Congo head coach Florent Ibengé has hit out at Nigeria coach Eric Chelle for claiming the Super Eagles missed out the 2026 FIFA World Cup because DR Congo used voodoo during their qualifying game for Africa.

After losing the final playoff game against the Leopards, the Malian coach said he saw a guy from Congo doing something with a bottle, which made him quite nervous.

During the African Play-off final at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium, the Leopards kept their dream alive after beating the Super Eagles 4-3 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

“During the penalty session, a guy from Congo did some voodoo every time, every time…so this is why I was a little nervous after him,” Chelle said after the game.

Asked to explain what he exactly saw, the Malian coach explained: “It was something like a bottle, I don’t know if it was water, I don’t know but he did something.”

‘It’s complete nonsense, it’s more folklore’

Ibengé, who is currently attached to Azam FC of Tanzania, has termed Chelle’s comments as ‘complete nonsense’ saying nothing like this existed in Africa.

“As for voodoo, I don’t believe in it for a second,” said Ibengé as quoted by 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.”

Nigeria are currently preparing for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco under Chelle. Nigeria, runners-up in Ivory Coast last year will be seeking their first continental title since 2013, will compete in Group D alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania.

Nigeria’s preliminary squad for AFCON 2025

Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie, Francis Uzoho, Ebenezer Harcourt, Stanley Nwabali, Adebayo Adeleye.

Defenders: Felix Agu, Zaidu Sanusi, William Troost-Ekong, Ajayi Oluwasemilogo, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Igoh Ogbu, Ryan Alebiosu, Adeleke Adenkunle, Emmanuel Michael.

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, Usman Muhammed, Peter Agba, Tom Dele-Bashiru.

Attackers: Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Adams Akor, Chidera Ejuke, Olakunle Olusegun, Sadiq Umar, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Abdulrraheed Shehu, Rafiu Durosinmi, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, Philip Otele, Ikwuemesi Chukwubuikem, Salim Fago.