Head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, is at risk of a FIFA ban following his comments after they lost to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 2026 World Cup playoff final on Sunday.

Chelle claimed that people in the opposing technical area were using “voodoo” during the shoot-out. The game had ended 1-1 after 120 minutes, with the Leopards going on to win 4-3 via penalties.

Chelle had to be restrained by members of his coaching staff. The Malian tactician has since apologized for his actions after the game and blamed it on emotions.

Osasu Obayiuwana, a former member of FIFA’s anti-racism taskforce, wrote on X: “After @FIFAcom look at this, I fear that Eric Chelle, the @NGSuperEagles head coach, will be severely punished for this act of madness – a heavy fine and/or a touchline or stadium ban.

“This could see him missing two-thirds of #Nigeria’s #AFCON group games.”