Nigeria’s head coach, Erik Schell, has publicly accused the Congo team of witchcraft following his team’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The incident occurred after a dramatic qualifying match. Nigeria drew 1-1 with Congo but then lost 3-4 in a penalty shootout. This result means Nigeria will miss the World Cup for the second consecutive time.
On-Field Altercation
Immediately after the final kick that decided the match, Erik Schell approached the opposing coaching staff and engaged in a heated argument with them. Members of both delegations had to separate the parties.
At the subsequent press conference, Schell did not hold back his emotions, stating that Congo’s players “practiced witchcraft” during the penalty shootout. Later, in the mixed zone, the coach clarified that he was referring to voodoo.
Erik Schell’s Witchcraft Accusations Against Congo
The Congo national team, in turn, categorically rejected these accusations. Nevertheless, the Nigerian coach’s outspoken statement has drawn the attention of global sports media, once again raising the issue of superstitions and mystical practices in African football.
