‘It's complete nonsense’ - Ex-Dr Congo head coach slams Chelle over voodoo accusation

The Super Eagles made it to the World Cup playoff phase after defeating Benin Republic in the final group qualifying series.

In the first match of the playoff, they faced Gabon and sealed a 4-1 victory after extra time to move to the next round, where they will face DR Congo.

However, Nigeria's hopes of reaching the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico were dashed after a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to DR Congo, following a 1-1 draw in regular time.

The surprising defeat sparked controversy after Chelle claimed a Congolese official engaged in "voodoo" rituals while Nigerian players were stepping up for their penalties.

In an interview with ESPN, Ibenge, who now manages Tanzanian club Azam FC, labelled the accusations as baseless and fuelled by stereotypes.

Ibenge stated that he is well-acquainted with the staff member in question and dismissed any notion of spiritual manipulation affecting the game's outcome.

"As for voodoo, I don't believe in it for a second," Ibenge told ESPN. "Especially as I know the person who's been accused of this very well."

"I spent seven years in Congolese football, and never once did I see a cause-and-effect relationship," he continued. 

"It's complete nonsense, it's more folklore than anything else, and we're just perpetuating legends, rumours etc. It's the legacy of our oral tradition that continues."

With their World Cup qualification campaign over, the Super Eagles have turned their attention to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Nigeria has been placed in Group C with Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. A 54-man provisional squad was recently announced as preparations for the continental tournament begin.