Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, suffered a disappointing loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo in a 2026 World Cup playoff final, prompting an apology from their head coach, Eric Chelle. The match ended 1-1 after 120 minutes, with the Leopards ultimately winning 4-3 in a penalty shootout.

The game saw Mechak Elia cancel out Frank Onyeka’s early goal, sending the match into a tense penalty shootout. Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, and Semi Ajayi all missed their kicks for the Eagles, leading to a heated exchange between Chelle and the DR Congolese bench. In the aftermath, Chelle alleged that someone in the opposing team’s technical area had performed voodoo during the penalty kicks, sparking controversy.

However, Chelle has since apologized for his comments, taking to social media to express his regret. In an Instagram post, he acknowledged that his reaction was emotional and not intended to target the Congolese people or their staff, whom he respects. Chelle congratulated the Democratic Republic of Congo on their victory, praising the fervor of their fans and the spirit of the match.

The apology comes as a significant gesture of sportsmanship, given the intense rivalry and disappointment that often accompanies high-stakes international football competitions. The Super Eagles’ elimination from the 2026 World Cup playoff is undoubtedly a setback, but Chelle’s pride in his players and acknowledgement of the Congolese team’s superiority in the match demonstrate a commitment to fair play and respect for the sport.

As the football community looks to the future, Chelle’s apology serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining dignity and respect, even in the face of defeat. The Super Eagles will undoubtedly regroup and refocus on upcoming challenges, while the Democratic Republic of Congo will look to build on their hard-won victory as they progress in the competition.