Former Nigerian midfielder Taiwo Oloyede has dismissed claims made by Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle that DR Congo used “voodoo” during a recent match, arguing that the tactics employed by Congo’s officials were strictly psychological. Oloyede said that what may have looked like superstition was actually a calculated effort to shake Nigeria’s composure.
Recalling his playing days, Oloyede said he once witnessed something similar: teams entering the field with white handkerchiefs, giving the impression of mystical rituals only to later reveal the items were part of a mind game. He added that players sometimes used such props in friendly banter, but they were more about showing confidence than anything supernatural.
Oloyede further speculated that Congo deliberately made tactical changes late in the game (including a goalkeeper switch) to send a message and get under Nigeria’s skin. He argued the real issue was Nigeria’s lack of preparation for penalty kicks, not any voodoo curse. According to him, the Eagles’ loss came down to poor execution under pressure, not mystical interference.
