Florent Ibenge, former DR Congo coach, has dismissed a claim. Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle made this suggestion. He alleged voodoo use by a Congolese staff member. This occurred during Nigeria’s World Cup playoff defeat in November.
Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The tournament will be held in the US, Canada, and Mexico. They lost to the Leopards, DR Congo’s national team. The score was 4-3 on penalties. This followed a tense 1-1 draw in regular time.
Ibenge spoke to ESPN. He now coaches Tanzanian club Azam FC. He called Chelle’s allegation unfounded. He stated it stemmed from harmful assumptions. He never witnessed such an act in football.
Ibenge added a personal note. He knows the accused staff member very well. He believes the accusation has no basis in reality.
“I do not believe in voodoo at all,” Ibenge told ESPN. “I know the accused person very well. I spent seven years in Congolese football. I never saw any cause-and-effect relationship. This claim is complete nonsense. It is merely folklore. We are just perpetuating legends and rumours. It is part of our enduring oral tradition.”
World Cup qualification is now out of reach for Nigeria. The Super Eagles have shifted focus. Their new target is the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. This tournament will take place in Morocco. Nigeria is in Group C. They will play against Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.
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