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The Moment Super Eagles’ Coach, Eric Chelle Almost Got Into A Fight With DR Congo Staff Following Nigeria’s Defeat (Video)

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle nearly clashed with a member of the DR Congo staff following Nigeria’s penalty shootout loss last night.

DR Congo came back from a goal down to beat Nigeria 4-3 on penalties in a tightly-contested African play-offs final on Sunday, November 16, at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, picking Africa’s sole ticket for the intercontinental play-offs billed for March next year.

Before a final penalty, Chelle was seen attempting to start a fight with a member of the DR Congo staff. He had to be held back by some of his coaching crew.

During his post-match interview,  Éric Chelle stated that the reason for his anger was that the Democratic Republic of the Congo team was performing rituals on the sidelines during the penalty shootout to disrupt the game.

“Throughout every second of the penalty shootout, a member of the DR Congo team’s staff did some voodoo.

“This was the case for every penalty kick, and it made me feel very uncomfortable,” he said.

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2026 WCQ Playoffs: How Nwabali Reacted To Super Eagles’ ‘Painful’ Defeat To DR Congo

Stanley Nwabali has expressed deep disappointment over the Super Eagles’ loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Éric Chelle’s side lost 4-3 on penalties to the Leopards of Democratic Republic of Congo in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs.

The two teams battled to a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes of energy-sapping action.

The defeat means the Super Eagles won’t be at the World Cup for the second consecutive edition.

Nwabali took to the social media to express his frustration with the Super Eagles defeat.

“Painful! We all did our best for the badge thought our best wasn’t enough.

“I was once a fan and understand how it feels giving you a disappointing night, we take full responsibility,” the Chippa United shot stopper wrote on his Instagram page.

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Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup Dream Comes To An Ends As DR Congo Knock Out Nigeria In Penalty Shoot-Out

Nigeria has missed out on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after falling to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the CAF playoff final on Sunday night.

The Super Eagles took an early lead in the first half after Frank Onyeka’s shot was deflected in.

But the Leopards were level after Mechak Elia pounced on a defensive error to finish past Stanley Nwabali.

The game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes and was decided on penalties.

Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi all missed their kicks as DR Congo clinched the ticket to represent Africa at the intercontinental playoffs.

They will now play in a six-team intercontinental qualifier, which will be staged from March 23 to 31 in 2026 to decide the final two sides for next year’s World Cup.

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2026 WCQ Playoffs: Osimhen To Captain Super Eagles Against DR Congo With Ndidi Banned

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen is set to captain the Super Eagles in their 2026 World Cup playoff final against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday.

According to Sports Village Square, Osimhen will take the armband from Wilfred Ndidi, who is suspended for the game in Rabat, Morocco.

Ndidi will serve a one-game ban against the Leopards, after picking up a booking in the 4-1 win over Gabon in the semi-final on Thursday.

Osimhen, who scored twice in that game, is also walking a disciplinary tightrope.

The 26-year-old was shown a yellow card for pulling off his shirt while celebrating his first goal in extra time.

Another booking against DR Congo could see him serve a one-game suspension too.

Head coach Eric Chelle will be counting on Osimhen’s goals again, to clinch the African ticket for the intercontinental playoffs.

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WCQ: Osimhen Opens Up On Bonus Row Between Super Eagles, NFF

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has spoken out about the bonus dispute between the team and the Nigeria Football Federation.

Recall that the Super Eagles refused to train on Tuesday to protest the non-payment of their outstanding bonuses and allowances.

The players, however, returned to training on Wednesday after the issue was resolved.

Speaking on the development after Nigeria defeated Gabon 4-1 in the World Cup qualifying playoff on Thursday, Osimhen insisted that some things have to be rectified.

The Galatasaray attacker, however, praised the swift intervention of the NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, who stepped in to address the players’ concerns ahead of the Gabon match.

“There are some things that have to be rectified. I have to say big kudos to the NFF president, he swiftly came into the picture and got it sorted, which is fine and good,”Osimhen told ESPN UK.

“Now, we have come and won the game, everything is resolved, we go back to our hotel and try to see if we can get it done.”

Osimhen will hope to lead Nigeria to victory when they face Gabon in their next game on Sunday.

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CAF Announces Free e-Visas For Fans Attending AFCON Morocco 2025

The Confederation of African Football and the AFCON Morocco 2025 Local Organising Committee on Friday announced that fans travelling to the tournament will be eligible for free electronic visas.

The policy benefits citizens of countries that normally require a visa to enter Morocco.

“Electronic visas to enter Morocco — obtained through the YALLA app — are now free of charge for supporters attending the competition, which runs from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026,” CAF said in a statement on its website.

The governing body said the announcement comes amid growing global demand for Africa’s biggest football event, with more fans booking tickets.

It explained that fans need two documents, a fan identification and an e-visa, to stay in Morocco and enter football stadiums throughout the tournament.

“A Fan ID is mandatory for entry to all stadiums and official Fan Areas. Supporters can apply for both the Fan ID and e-visa in one place inside the YALLA app, streamlining travel and stadium access.

“The Fan ID application and e-visa request are completed seamlessly within the YALLA app, ensuring a faster, easier and secure experience for international visitors and local fans alike,” the statement added.

To apply, fans are urged to download the YALLA app on Google Play or the App Store, or visit the official YALLA website, complete the Fan ID form, and, if required, submit the e-visa request.

Once approved, supporters can purchase match tickets on the CAF ticketing platform.

“The new measures are designed to deliver a seamless, secure fan experience for Africa’s showpiece event that will be played across nine stadiums in six cities,” CAF said.

With Morocco hosting for the first time since 1988, the continent’s biggest football festival returns to North Africa amid high expectations, fierce rivalries, and a new generation of African stars ready to make their mark.

A total of 24 teams are expected to participate.

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2026 WCQ Playoffs: Nigeria To Face DR Congo In African Playoff Final

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 2026 World Cup playoff final.

The winner of this game will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs in March 2026 in a bid to qualify for the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Super Eagles defeated Gabon 4-1 in their semi-final game, with goals from Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke, and Victor Osimhen, who scored a brace, making sure Nigeria sealed the victory to advance to the next stage.

DR Congo snatched a shocking victory, as they thrashed Cameroon 1-0 after Captain Chancel Mbemba headed in a late winner in stoppage time, to give his country a chance of qualifying for next year’s tournament.

The finals will be played on Sunday, November 16 at the newly built Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

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Supers Eagles thrash Gabon to advance to African playoff final

The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Gabon 4-1 after extra time on Wednesday to advance to the final stage of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The match was played at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco,

Akor Adams opened the scoring for Nigeria in the second half before Mario Lemina equalized for Gabon to force the match into extra time.

Osimhen leads Nigeria’s extra-time surge

After missing at point blank at the die-minute of second half, Victor Osimhen went on to inspire Nigeria’s turnaround in extra time, scoring twice to put the Super Eagles firmly in control.

Chidera Ejuke also scored, making it four goals to complete the victory and end Gabon’s hopes of qualification.

Focus amid off-field distractions

The win came despite recent bonus disputes between the players and the Nigeria Football Federation, an issue that had threatened to disrupt preparations.

However, the team remained focused and produced a dominant performance when it mattered most.

Next challenge for the Super Eagles

Nigeria will face the winner between Cameroon and DR Congo in the final round on Sunday, with a place in the intercontinental playoff at stake.

The match is scheduled for the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (also known as the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium).

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2026 WCQ Playoff: ‘A Real Shame’ – Troy Deeney Slams Nigeria Over Bonus Issues

Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has described the ongoing dispute over match bonuses between the Super Eagles and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as a real shame.

The participation of Nigeria in the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff was thrown into doubt on Tuesday after it became public that the team refused to train as a way of protest over their unpaid match bonuses.

However, a statement came out from the team on Wednesday afternoon confirming that every issue has been resolved and that the players are in a good mood for Thursday’s encounter.

Deeney lamented the timing of such distractions, noting that this was neither the first, second nor the third time off-field issues like this would spring up during crucial moments in Nigerian football.

“It’s a real shame because it’s a huge moment in the World Cup qualifiers and we are now talking about off-the-pitch stuff again.

“It’s not the first time, not the second time,”Deeney told CBS Sports Golazo.

Nigeria will face either Cameroon or DR Congo if they are able to beat Gabon in the first semi-final game in Rabat on Thursday.

Cameroon will play DR Congo in the other game later in the evening.

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BREAKING: Super Eagles Resume Training After Boycott Over Unpaid Bonuses

The Super Eagles have resumed training in Morocco after skipping Tuesday’s session over unpaid bonuses ahead of their 2026 World Cup Qualifiers playoff against Gabon.

Reports from the team’s camp indicated that the dispute has been resolved following discussions between the players and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The squad is now set to resume full preparations for Thursday’s crucial clash with the Panthers.

Details shortly…

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