Mbemba to Nigeria’s Chelle: “DRC didn’t use ‘Voodoo’”

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) captain Chancel Mbemba has hit back at Nigeria coach Éric Chelle over his recent sensational Voodoo usage claims.

The Super Eagles boss recently claimed that the Leopards used black magic for them to prevail 4-3 on post-match penalties during a recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between the two teams in November.

The defeat ended Nigeria’s World Cup qualification dream for the third straight time. And after the game, the former Mali handler suggested that his star-studded side might have lost due to DRC’s use of black magic.

“During all the penalty decisions the guy from Congo did some Voodoo. Every time … Every time. So, this is why I was a little nervous after him,” Chelle told reporters.

“Something like that [waving his arm]. You know, I don’t know if it’s water or something like that, you know.”

Mbemba responds to Chelle

Such remarks remain a talking point when it comes to the DRC team with the matter resurfacing as the Leopards prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.

On Thursday, Mbemba, according to FootRDC, was prompted to respond to Chelle’s accusations again in an interview with Carré news outlet as the Leopards prepare for AFCON.

The Lille FC star credited Congo’s qualification to the World Cup play-off down to the DRC coach Sébastien Desabre and his staff’s acumen and not magic.

“I have a lot of respect for the Nigerian coach, but he will stand by his words. We have nothing to do with this. We won thanks to our work, not Voodoo,” the defender said.

The France-based defender also reflected on a penalty he took to help Congo overcome the Super Eagles.

“When I took the ball, I had faith in God and I was only thinking about what I was doing. When defeat comes, you have to accept it. I always say ‘Thank God.’ We are professionals and we know how to deal with these kinds of moments,” the DRC skipper added.

Congo are now fully focused on the forthcoming AFCON getting underway on December 21 until February 18, 2026 in Morocco. Desabre’s men will battle it out against Botswana, Benin and Senegal, the latter being opponents DRC faced also in the World Cup qualifiers.