Chelle Reacts as Nigeria Crash Out of 2026 World Cup Race, Raises Concern Over Strange Sideline Incident
Written by Alonge Akinlolu on 17 — 11
Nigeria’s bid to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in heartbreak on Sunday as the Super Eagles were edged out 4–3 on penalties by DR Congo in Rabat, following a tense 1–1 draw after extra time.
Frank Onyeka had given Nigeria an early lead in the 3rd minute, but DR Congo responded through Meschack Elia in the 32nd minute. With neither side able to find a winner after 120 minutes, the match headed to penalties, where the Congolese held their nerve and sealed their place in the inter-continental playoff.
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, was left visibly frustrated after watching his team’s World Cup hopes slip away. Beyond the sporting disappointment, the tactician expressed shock over an unusual sideline moment he claimed to have noticed during the shootout.
According to Chelle, someone on the DR Congo side was seen holding and shaking an object each time a Congolese player stepped up to take a penalty. While he did not make any formal accusation, he admitted the act caught his attention and left him unsettled in the heat of the moment.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s night was made even more difficult after star striker Victor Osimhen was forced off earlier due to injury, another blow in a high pressure contest that ultimately went down to nerve and precision.
