DR Congo’s team manager, Dodo Landu, has finally addressed the controversial voodoo accusation. Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, made the claim. The incident occurred during Sunday’s tense World Cup playoff final. Landu was at the center of an unexpected storm. He insists Chelle wrongly accused him during the match’s deciding moments.

The Accusation Unfolds

The dramatic scenes unfolded as players lined up for the decisive penalty kicks. Emotions ran high on both benches. Landu observed Chelle staring intently at him. Chelle was convinced the Congolese official was attempting to spiritually influence the game’s outcome.

Nigeria’s Semi Ajayi missed his penalty. Chancel Mbemba then stepped up for DR Congo’s potential winner. Landu quietly offered a prayer for his captain. This moment ignited the confrontation. After Mbemba scored the decisive goal, Chelle rushed forward furiously. He pointed directly at Landu. Security and staff intervened to hold him back.

Landu’s Vehement Denial

Speaking after the incident settled, Landu vehemently dismissed the claims. He called them completely unfounded. He explained that his reaction was natural for anyone in such a nerve-wracking situation.

“During Chancel’s penalty kick, I was simply praying for him to score,” Landu stated, as quoted by Soccernet. “Immediately, the Nigerian coach thought I was performing voodoo.”

He described the accusation as both surprising and unnecessary. Landu noted that his gestures were solely an expression of emotional support for his team, not spiritual manipulation.

World Cup Dreams Shattered for Nigeria

The victory means DR Congo will advance to next year’s intercontinental playoffs. Nigeria’s quest for a spot at the 2026 World Cup has ended abruptly. Ajayi’s missed effort proved costly. It paved the way for Mbemba’s decisive kick. This goal sparked wild celebrations among the Congolese players and fans.

Chelle Offers Apology

Following a review of the incident, Coach Chelle publicly apologized. He acknowledged that the extreme pressure of the moment influenced his reaction. Chelle reaffirmed his respect for DR Congo’s staff. He also expressed deep regret over his touchline outburst.

Nigeria Shifts Focus to AFCON 2025

Nigeria’s national team will now shift its focus. Their attention turns to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. It is scheduled to begin in December. The Super Eagles were runners-up at the last tournament in Côte d’Ivoire. They aim to achieve an even better result this time. However, a challenging group awaits them. It features strong teams like Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Major African football powerhouses will also compete for the AFCON title. These include Senegal, Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, and Algeria. The competition promises to be intense.