Chelle, coach of the Super Eagles, looks on during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Nigeria and Rwanda sAmavubi, which Nigeria -at Godswill Akpabio Copyright: ImagoxAdekunlexAjayi
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has tendered an apology to the DR Congo team, following his altercation with some members of the coaching staff on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles fell to a penalty shootout defeat against DR Congo in the final of the CAF World Cup playoffs at the Rabat Stadium, and that effectively knocked them out of contention for a 2026 World Cup ticket.
So many things stood out from that game － Victor Osimhen’s disappearance at halftime, DR Congo’s dominance in the second half, and the weird penalty shootout.
Another major thing that stood out was Eric Chelle’s altercation with the DR Congolese coaching staff at the end of the penalty shootout.
Eric Chelle couldn’t contain his anger after he saw someone from the DR Congo Team using dark magic (voodoo) in the shoot outs pic.twitter.com/eC2v9D9Kre
— Mr. Nigerian Football (@AJSilverCFC) November 17, 2025
When asked afterwards, the Franco-Malian stated that he sighted someone in their technical area performing voodoo and that was what got him worked up.
However, sequel to that incident, Chelle has issued an apology to the Leopards technical staff.
He admits that he is unhappy with the result, but believes that it is best to forge ahead.
“Football is all about emotions. After the match, I reacted hotly to an altercation with a member of the DRC staff trying to come into my technical area,” Chelle wrote on Instagram.
“I have never wanted to target the Congolese people or their staff, which I respect.
“Disappointed in our elimination but proud of my players. Congratulation congo which was the best
“Their audience showed great fervor, just like ours. Moving forward together for what’s next.”
Chelle and his boys will now look to restrategize ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in December.
Eric Chelle Debunks Fake Social Media Account
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle also used the opportunity to debunk a fake X (former Twitter) account.
“I also specify that any Twitter account under my name is fake,” Chelle added.
Asides from Chelle, Super Eagles defender Benjamin Fredrick is also not on X. The Dender man only has an Instagram account for now. So The account parading itself as Fredrick is fake.