By Tosin Omojola
Former Super Eagles central back, Taribo West, has confirmed the use of voodoo in the game of football.
“I don’t know why people decline to talk about their involvement with charms. Football has to do with a lot of powers. When there are big events, you look at the stadium, you see people, fans invoking all kinds of things; magicians are there, voodooists are there.
“In my playing days, when I was ignorant, I used to get some mallams and babalawos (traditional doctors) to make charms for us, which we took to (national) camp. Sometimes it worked, sometimes, it didn’t.
“In some clubs, before every game, the president or leader of the club will give you a lucky charm to play with. They will tell you to put it in your boots or socks and play. It’s their superstitious belief; that it can help them win matches.
“There are some coaches who are connected to African magicians and soothsayers from Senegal, Burkina Faso, Zaire, or even Nigeria. These people are consulted to give these coaches results of games even before the matches are played.
“These people see strange things, and they can tell you with their magic and charms what the outcome of a match will be. People believe and use it. It works for those who believe in it. I saw it, I experienced it, I was with players that used it, and I used it. So, why are people denying it?
There are charms and rituals in football. It still exists.”
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