Leon Balogun speaks on ‘role of juju’ in Nigeria’s non-qualification for World Cup

Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun has shared his thought on claims of “juju” (voodoo) being employed to stop Nigeria from qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.

Recall that Nigeria failed to secure a World Cup ticket after a 1-1 draw with Ghana at the Abuja National Stadium. Ghana got the ticket following the away-goal rule adopted in the qualifiers.

Balogun who commented on the outcome of the match while appearing on the Beautiful Game podcast said;

“It is funny because that season, the away goals rule had been scrapped everywhere. I don’t know why they didn’t do it in Africa…I have no clue. Until this day, I don’t understand.

“We did go to Ghana to play the first leg and it was a tough game. You know there was this whole fuss about them changing the stadium at the last minute on Tuesday when they have never lost and they say whether Juju may or may not have been involved also or whatever.”

The Queen Park Rangers defender also admitted that the odds were stacked against the Super Eagles after the draw in Ghana.

Balogun added;

“It was really, really tough and we ended up playing 0-0. I remember we had a meeting one or two days after and one of the staff said we are 70 per cent through and I thought to myself that can’t be right.

“We played a goalless draw away from home, if that’s helpful to anyone then it’s Ghana. We said we have to just pour our hearts out for that game.

“We have to say Ghana probably deserved it you have to hold up your hands and say they deserved it because we came out for them.”