‘In God We Stand’ — Super Falcons Star Denies Using Juju To Defeat Cameroon

In a thrilling encounter that saw the Nigerian Super Falcons secure a vital win against Cameroon, controversy and superstition took center stage, leading to strong denials of any supernatural influence on the game from the Nigerian camp.

The match, pivotal in the Paris 2024 Olympic qualifier, ended with a narrow 1-0 victory for Nigeria, courtesy of a superb goal from forward Esther Okoronkwo. Her strike in the 14th minute at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja was the only goal across both legs, propelling Nigeria into a promising position for the upcoming clash against either Banyana Banyana or Tanzania in April.

Despite Cameroon's relentless efforts and a game filled with chances, Nigeria held on to their lead, showcasing a strong defensive and tactical display.

The match was not without its controversy, particularly in its dying moments when Cameroon's Annie Enganemben was sent off following an attempt to touch the Nigerian goal net, supposedly to counteract any protective voodoo. This act sparked a melee and added a layer of superstition to the game's narrative.

In response to these events and the speculation surrounding the use of juju (African traditional magic), Super Falcons' coach Randy Waldrum and midfielder Deborah Abiodun firmly denied the involvement of any supernatural or diabolical means in their victory. Waldrum dismissed the notion of voodoo, emphasizing a lack of belief in such practices. 

Similarly, Abiodun stressed the team's reliance on faith in God rather than superstition, stating, "Firstly, we saw it as a point of distraction and we were able to still put our focus high regardless of whatever they begin in. We believe in God and in God we stand. With God all things are possible so we don’t care about the voodoo.”

Following their win over Cameroon, the Super Falcons are now set to face South Africa in what promises to be a captivating final round of qualifiers for the Olympic games. As the team progresses, their faith and focus remain unshaken, rooted in their belief and dedication rather than the superstitions that often surround the beautiful game.