Balikwisha Rejects ‘Voodoo’ Claims After DR Congo’s Win Over Nigeria

Celtic forward Michel-Ange Balikwisha has become the unexpected focal point of a heated controversy following DR Congo’s dramatic penalty-shootout victory over Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff. The 23-year-old, who scored one of the decisive spot-kicks, has been thrust into a media storm after claims emerged suggesting DR Congo deployed “voodoo” practices during the tense match.

The allegations first surfaced after Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, accused members of the DR Congo bench of engaging in “strange spiritual acts” aimed at destabilizing his players during the penalty shootout. The comments quickly sparked debate across African football circles, with Balikwisha inadvertently caught at the center of the controversy due to his crucial goal and visible role in rallying his teammates.

Speaking through his representatives on Tuesday, Balikwisha described the claims as “unfounded, disrespectful, and damaging,” adding that DR Congo’s victory was the result of “hard work, discipline, and mental toughness—not mysticism.”

“Football is decided on the pitch, not by superstition,” the statement read. “Michel-Ange is proud to have represented his country with honor, and he rejects any attempt to taint DR Congo’s achievement.”

The winger’s composure during the shootout along with his calm, clinical finish has been widely praised by Congolese fans, who see the allegations as an attempt to overshadow their team’s qualification triumph. DR Congo’s Football Federation also dismissed the claims, calling them “baseless distractions” and urging focus on the “historic and hard-earned victory.”

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In Nigeria, reactions have been mixed. While some fans echoed Chelle’s concerns, others criticized the comments as emotional responses to a disappointing exit. Sports analysts noted that Nigeria’s performance had already shown signs of vulnerability during regular play, with injuries—including to star striker Victor Osimhen—compounding the national team’s struggle.

Despite Celtic’s ongoing season, Balikwisha’s name has remained a trending topic on Nigerian social media, with many urging for calm and a shift toward post-match analysis rather than superstition-based narratives. The Scottish Premiership club has not issued an official statement but is reportedly monitoring the situation to safeguard the player’s mental well-being.

As the debate continues, Balikwisha is expected to rejoin Celtic’s training in the coming days, with club insiders suggesting he remains fully focused on his domestic commitments. For now, the “voodoo” controversy underscores the emotional and cultural complexities that often surround high-stakes football in Africa where passion, pressure, and national pride collide on and off the pitch.