How Nigeria’s World Cup dream died: Unfulfilled promises, an airport stand-off and ‘voodoo’

A chaotic qualifying campaign involved three different head coaches and a financial dispute that led to players boycotting training

In the violence plaguing Nigeria, many say everyone — Christian or Muslim — is a potential victim

Much of northern Nigeria has been battered by conflict in a longstanding security crisis, and U_S_ President Donald Trump has singled the country out for what he calls “the killing of Christians” by “radical Islamists.

Nigeria boss on DR Congo loss: They did 'some voodoo'

Chelle has accused the Congo DR side of "voodoo" during the penalty shootout that saw the end of his side's chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Inside Nigeria’s World Cup qualification implosion. Plus: USMNT set for date with Ronaldo

Three managers, a threatened boycott and 'voodoo' allegations – how it all went so wrong for the World Cup regulars

Takeaways from AP’s report on the violence in northern Nigeria

Much of northern Nigeria has been battered by conflict in a longstanding security crisis, and U.S. President Donald Trump has singled the country out for what he calls “the killing of Christians” by “radical Islamists.

Nigeria coach claims 'voodoo' by Congo staff during penalty shootout loss in World Cup qualifying

A Congo team staff member used voodoo during the penalty shootout, Nigeria coach Éric Chelle claimed after the African soccer power was eliminated from qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Congo won the African playoff final late Sunday in a penalty shootout — getting two saves from a substitute goalkeeper sent on late in extra time of a 1-1 draw — and advanced to the intercontinental playoffs in March.
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