By Segun Martins-
Nigeria crashed out of the world cup after losing 3-4 to Congo in the World Cup Qualifiers on Monday in Rabat after a substitute goalkeeper sent on late in extra time made two saves. The match had originally ended 1-1 after extra time. As a result of the defeat on penalties, Nigeria were knocked out of the qualifying, while Congo progressed to the inter-continental playoffs in March.
Nigerian coach Éric Chelle was engaged in a spat with a Congo staff member during the penalties while trying to force his way to the opponent’s technical area in an aggressive manner. The former Mali international Chelle, said after the match that he was protesting against “voodoo” being done by a Congo support staff during the penalty shootouts.
Voodoo is an African diasporic religion with roots in West Africa, especially among the Fon and Ewe peoples, and was developed in Haiti and Louisiana. It often denotes an interference by spirits who intervene in the affairs of men, intervening in a manner that favours the operator of the practise to the disfavour of the target individual. It is traditionally used to acquire good luck or achieve bad luck for individuals in a particular situation. It is a complex belief system that involves worship of spirits called lwa (Haiti) or vodúns (West Africa) who are believed to have a connection to nature, ancestors, and God, known as Bondye. Practices often include rituals like drumming, dancing, chanting, spiritual possession, and the use of charms or gris-gris.
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“The guy of Congo did some voodoo,” Chelle told reporters after Nigeria’s defeat. “Every time, every time, every time, so this is why I was a little nervous (of) him.”
The tie ended 1–1 after extra time, but DR Congo held their nerve and converted four of their penalties to knock out one of Africa’s giants.
It’s a bitter pill to swallow for Nigerian football fans: despite finishing second in their group, they came up short in the playoffs, denying themselves a spot in the Toyota-and-sun co-hosted 2026 World Cup.
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Just days before their departure, Nigeria had put in a powerful performance against Benin, routing them 4–0 in Uyo. Victor Osimhen put on a masterclass, scoring a hat-trick, with Frank Onyeka adding a late fourth.
But while the victory thrilled supporters, it wasn’t enough. South Africa, by edging out Rwanda, secured the top spot in Group C. Nigeria’s 17 points could only earn them second place — good enough to reach the CAF playoffs, but not to guarantee a ticket to the World Cup.
This failure cuts deep , not just emotionally, but financially. Former Super Eagles captain Sylvanus Okpalla warned that missing this World Cup could cost Nigeria over $100 million. The Guardian Nigeria That figure accounts not only for FIFA prize money, but also the broader economic opportunities tied to global exposure — sponsorship, merchandising, and broadcast rights
In a country where football isn’t just sport but a national passion, failing to make the World Cup again feels like a cultural and economic setback.
With the World Cup dream now over, Nigeria must turn to Plan B — and fast. The path forward will likely includes: A overhaul of football administration: Critics are calling for fresh leadership at the NFF, better strategic planning, and more accountability, Rebuilding the squad: Despite Osimhen’s brilliance, Nigeria’s campaign exposed weaknesses in depth, defence, and mental resilience, Renewed investment in youth: Making up for this failure may require a renewed focus on grassroots development and youth competitions.
This collapse is not just a sporting failure; it’s a clarion call for change. Nigeria is not short of talent — its footballers are household names in Europe. But talent alone won’t fix structural problems.
As Super Eagles fans pick up the pieces, the bigger challenge is confronting the root causes: mismanagement, lack of long-term planning, and a failure to translate potential into consistent success.
If Nigeria is to reclaim its role as a continental and global football force, the time for reform is now.
This collapse is not just a sporting failure; it’s a clarion call for change. Nigeria is not short of talent — its footballers are household names in Europe. But talent alone won’t fix structural problems.
As Super Eagles fans pick up the pieces, the bigger challenge is confronting the root causes: mismanagement, lack of long-term planning, and a failure to translate potential into consistent success. If Nigeria is to reclaim its role as a continental and global football force, the time for reform is now
In a country where football isn’t just sport but a national passion, failing to make the World Cup again feels like a cultural and economic setback.
With the World Cup dream now over, Nigeria must turn to Plan B — and fast. The path forward will likely includes: A overhaul of football administration: Critics are calling for fresh leadership at the NFF, better strategic planning, and more accountability, Rebuilding the squad: Despite Osimhen’s brilliance, Nigeria’s campaign exposed weaknesses in depth, defence, and mental resilience, Renewed investment in youth: Making up for this failure may require a renewed focus on grassroots development and youth competitions.
This collapse is not just a sporting failure; it’s a clarion call for change. Nigeria is not short of talent — its footballers are household names in Europe. But talent alone won’t fix structural problems.
As Super Eagles fans pick up the pieces, the bigger challenge is confronting the root causes: mismanagement, lack of long-term planning, and a failure to translate potential into consistent success. If Nigeria is to reclaim its role as a continental and global football force, the time for reform is now.
This collapse is not just a sporting failure; it’s a clarion call for change. Nigeria is not short of talent — its footballers are household names in Europe. But talent alone won’t fix structural problems.
As Super Eagles fans pick up the pieces, the bigger challenge is confronting the root causes: mismanagement, lack of long-term planning, and a failure to translate potential into consistent success. If Nigeria is to reclaim its role as a continental and global football force, the time for reform is now
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