Citing emotions and heat of the moment, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has apologized to players and officials of DR Congo after he made allegations of voodoo in their 4-3 penalty win over Nigeria in Sunday’s World Cup Africa final playoff in Rabat, Morocco.
The game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes, with Mechak Elia cancelling out Frank Onyeka’s early goal.
Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, and Semi Ajayi all missed for the Eagles, with Chelle clashing with the DR Congolese bench at the end of the shoot-out.
After the game, Chelle told reporters that someone in the opposing technical area had performed voodoo during the penalty kicks.
He had said: “During the penalty shootout, the guy (from) Congo did some voodoo. Every time, every time, every time. So this is why I was a little nervous after (he did that).”
Doing a 360 degrees on that comment, Chelle posted on Instagram Story yesterday:“Football is all about emotions. After the match, I reacted hotly to an altercation with a member of the DRC staff trying to come into my technical area.
“I have never wanted to target the Congolese people or their staff, which I respect.
“Disappointed in our elimination but proud of my players. Congratulation Congo, which was the best.
“Their audience showed great fervour, just like ours. Moving forward together for what’s next.”
*PHOTO CAPTION: Chelle (left) after the penalty kicks.
