Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has shed light on the altercation that erupted between him and members of the DR Congo technical crew at the end of the World Cup playoff final.
Speaking during his post-match interview, Chelle said the confrontation was triggered by what he considered strange and suspicious behaviour from a DR Congo official while the penalty shootout was underway.
According to him, the official repeatedly carried out actions that appeared unusual and unsettling.
“Throughout the penalty decisions, one of the Congolese guys kept doing some voodoo… every time,” Chelle claimed.
“That’s why I reacted the way I did.”
Pressed further on what he observed, the coach said the individual seemed to be sprinkling a liquid and making gestures, which he interpreted as an attempt to influence the shootout.
“I don’t even know what to call it. He was throwing something—like water or whatever it was,” he said, lifting his hand to demonstrate.
The situation briefly escalated on the touchline before match officials stepped in to separate both camps and restore order.
