But the Super Eagles will not be returning to North American soil for next summer’s tournament – and they are not blaming their shooting boots. After a fraught and dramatic continental playoff final on Sunday, where Nigeria were eliminated by DR Congo on penalties, the Super Eagles manager, Éric Chelle, said that his team had been defeated by “voodoo”. He then accused DR Congo of “doing maraboutage” – a term used colloquially to describe acts of magic or bewitchment. Photograph: Jalal Morchidi/EPAThe loss ends a disjointed two-year qualifying campaign for the Super Eagles, which left them to sneak into the continental playoffs on goal difference. DR Congo grew in confidence, dominating possession and pressing hard, with Fiston Mayele having two efforts disallowed for fouls in a frantic period of extra time.

Source: The Guardian November 18, 2025 23:29 UTC