DR Congo team manager, Dodo Landu, has clarified his actions during last Sunday’s tense penalty shoot-out against Nigeria, insisting he was simply praying and not performing any form of enchantment.
His comments come after Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle suggested he saw someone from the Congolese bench engaging in “voodoo” during the decisive moments of the 2026 World Cup playoff final.
Chelle grew visibly irritated as he confronted Landu, who was seen moving around the sideline, muttering and gesturing while Congo prepared to take one of their spot-kicks. Match officials had to intervene to keep both benches apart before the shoot-out concluded 4–3 in DR Congo’s favour.
Speaking to Soccerent, Landu explained:
“While Chancel stepped up for his penalty, I was praying for him to score. The Nigerian coach immediately assumed it was something else.”
With the victory, DR Congo advanced to represent Africa in the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March.
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