&w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1)
After a fight broke out between Nigerian and Cameroonian players over the possible use of jazz in their recent Olympic Games qualifier, the Super Falcons have cleared the air and flatly denied using diabolical means to get past the Indomitable Lionesses
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.
Nigeria beat Cameroon to advance in Olympic qualification
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.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons will face South Africa in the next round of the Paris 2024 Olympic qualifier.
)
Fans can’t stop gushing over Super Falcons star Deborah Abiodun.
Despite Cameroon’s relentless efforts and a game filled with chances, Nigeria held on to their lead, showcasing a strong defensive and tactical display.
Controversy and Denial of Superstitious Tactics
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.
)
Super Falcons won 1-0 against Cameroon in a qualifier for the 2024 Olympic Games | Imago
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.
Related content
)
Nigeria’s Super Falcons will face South Africa in the next round of the Paris 2024 Olympic qualifier.
)
Nigeria’s Super Falcons face Cameroon in decisive Paris 2024 qualifiers in Abuja.
)
Esther Okonkwo was in action for the Super Falcons against Cameron in the Paris 2024 qualifiers.
)
Super Falcons Joe Echegini was robbed, while Asisat Oshoala missed a sitter against Cameroon in the Paris 2024 qualifier in Douala.
)
Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie talks upcoming Olympics qualifier against Cameroon.
)
Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Cameroon will go head-to-head in a bid to pick a ticket for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
)
Chinaza Agoh has followed some of her Super Falcons teammates led by Ashleigh Plumptre to join the Saudi Arabia Women’s League.
)
Nigeria’s hopes of getting the Barcelona Femeni star to play for the Super Falcons was dealt a crucial blow after she was invited to play with the Spanish senior national team
)
Nicole Payne will spend the rest of the season in the United States of America’s NWSL alongside Super Falcons teammate Asisat Oshoala.
)
Super Falcons star Michelle Alozie says she is blessed to be a blessing to others after donating kits to Nigerians in Lagos.
