Nigeria coach, Eric Chelle, has alleged that a member of DR Congo’s staff engaged in “voodoo” during the penalty shootout of Sunday’s World Cup playoff in Rabat, where the Super Eagles were eliminated from contention for the 2026 tournament.

The term voodoo is widely used to describe different forms of traditional spiritual or ritual practices, although it is often referenced inaccurately in sports discussions.

Players, coaches, and fans occasionally raise claims that opponents rely on such practices to influence a match, implying that the result was affected by supernatural activity rather than tactics or athletic performance.

Nigeria’s qualification bid ended in a 4–3 penalty defeat after the match concluded 1–1 over 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The outcome means the Super Eagles will miss the World Cup for the second consecutive edition.

In a video shared by ESPN Africa on X on Monday, which captured Chelle speaking to journalists after the game, he explained that he reacted out of frustration after seeing repeated gestures from an individual in DR Congo’s technical area during the VAR review of a penalty incident.

“During all the penalty decision, a guy of Congo did some voodoo… Every time, every time, every time. So this is why I was a little nervous after him,” he said.

When pressed to clarify what he observed, Chelle demonstrated the gesture and added, “Something like that. I don’t know if it’s water or something like that.”

The allegations have not been independently verified.

PUNCH Online reports that Nigeria opened scoring through Frank Onyeka in the third minute before M. Elia levelled for DR Congo in the 32nd minute.

Both teams produced scoring opportunities during extra time, but neither side was able to secure a decisive goal.

The penalty shootout fluctuated with momentum swings.

Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon were unable to convert Nigeria’s early kicks, while goalkeeper Nwabali saved DR Congo’s first attempt to keep the contest even.

Akor Adams scored to keep Nigeria within reach before DR Congo converted their fourth penalty, sealing a 4–3 victory.

The win sends DR Congo into the intercontinental playoff, where they will compete for one of the remaining places at the expanded 48-team World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Nigeria advanced to the final after defeating Gabon 4–1 in extra time on Thursday, while DR Congo progressed with a 1–0 victory over Cameroon.

The Leopards will now await their playoff opponent as their qualification push continues, while Nigeria’s hopes came to an end in a dramatic and painful finish in Rabat.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the AFCON Morocco 2025 Local Organising Committee have confirmed that football fans travelling to the tournament will be entitled to free electronic visas. The announcement was made in a statement released on CAF’s official website on Friday.

CAF noted that the initiative targets citizens of countries that typically require a visa to enter Morocco. It stated that “Electronic visas to enter Morocco — obtained through the YALLA app — are now free of charge for supporters attending the competition, which runs from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026”.

The football body explained that the update comes at a time when global interest in the tournament continues to rise, with fans increasingly securing seats via CAF’s ticketing platform.

CAF also stated that the use of a fan identification system would be mandatory for entry into all stadiums and designated fan zones. According to the organisation, “CAF Supporters can apply for both the Fan ID and e-visa in one place inside the YALLA app, streamlining travel and stadium access.”

It added that “The Fan ID application and e-visa request are completed seamlessly within the YALLA app, ensuring a faster, easier, and secure experience for international visitors and local fans alike.” Fans are required to download the YALLA app from Google Play or the App Store, or visit the YALLA website, complete the Fan ID registration, and, where necessary, submit the e-visa request.

Once these approvals are granted, supporters can proceed to purchase match tickets through CAF’s ticketing platform.

CAF said the new processes are aimed at delivering a smooth and secure experience for spectators as the competition prepares to unfold across nine stadiums in six Moroccan cities. The body added that “CAF, with support from the LOC, reaffirms its commitment to delivering a world-class spectator experience throughout Africa’s greatest football celebration.”

It also confirmed that a total of 298,000 tickets have been sold so far during the first two phases on its ticketing platform, with buyers from 33 African countries and 106 nations around the world.

CAF highlighted that the highest ticket demand has come from Morocco, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The football tournament is scheduled to hold from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026 across the designated host cities in Morocco.

Nigeria has been placed in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, with the Super Eagles set to begin their campaign against Tanzania on December 23.

Dour Nigerians and six other individuals have been sentenced to a total of 55 years in prison by the Kingston Crown Court for their involvement in a violent phone-robbery syndicate that terrorised several stores across London.

The Nigerians identified as David Akintola, Ayomide Olaribiro, Olabiyi Obasa, and David Okewole were members of a ten-man gang that also included James Adodo, Robert Hills, Nelson Joel, Michael Babo, Mushtakim Miah, and Laville Bloise.

According to a statement released by the UK Metropolitan Police, the gang executed 13 robberies between September and November 2024, mainly targeting EE mobile phone stores. They were said to have used threats of violence to intimidate staff into granting access to secure stockrooms, where they carted away high-end mobile devices and accessories valued at approximately £240,000.

Investigators linked the suspects to the robberies through DNA evidence, call data, and vehicle tracking records. On November 19, 2024, police officers apprehended four members of the group during a robbery at an EE outlet in Kilburn. Subsequent searches of properties associated with the suspects led to the recovery of stolen goods and other incriminating materials.

All ten members of the syndicate were formally charged, and eight of them pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob on January 30, 2025. The Kingston Crown Court delivered its final judgment on Friday, November 7, 2025, handing down various prison sentences that collectively totalled 55 years.