Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle has finally addressed the near-physical confrontation with a DR Congo staff member that happened during Nigeria’s heartbreaking penalty shootout loss in the African World Cup playoff final.
Nigeria had taken the lead before DR Congo fought back and sealed a dramatic 4–3 penalty victory on Sunday, November 16, at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
The win gave DR Congo Africa’s only spot in the intercontinental playoff scheduled for March next year.
Just before the final penalty was taken, cameras caught Chelle trying to confront someone from the DR Congo camp, with his own coaching staff having to hold him back.
Speaking after the match, Chelle said his frustration boiled over because he saw members of the DR Congo team doing what he called rituals on the sidelines to throw off the penalty shootout.
But in a more measured Instagram post later, Chelle explained that his anger was really about a DR Congo staff member stepping into his technical area, something he felt was out of line.
He made it clear he has nothing against the Congolese team or their fans.
“Football is all about emotions,” Chelle wrote on his Instagram Story.
“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, whom I respect.
“Disappointed in our elimination but proud of my players. Congratulations to Congo; they were the better team.
Their fans showed great passion, just like ours. Moving forward together for what’s next.”
His explanation has helped cool things down after what was an intense and emotionally charged playoff final.
