“We believe in God” – Deborah Abiodun, Waldrum play down “juju” effect after Nigeria’s win over Cameroon

Nigeria will play against South Africa or Tanzania in the final round of the Paris 2024 Olympic qualifiers and need to win to seal their slot in the tournament.

Super Falcons coach, Randy Waldrum and defensive midfielder, Deborah Abiodun have glossed over the effect of juju after their win over Cameroon, Soccernet.ng reports.

The only goal of the two-legged tie came in the early minutes of the first half, with Esther Okoronkwo tapping home from close range after Jennifer Echegini’s clever footwork on the edge of the box.

With Chiamaka Nnadozie’s performance proving too good to be true, the Indomitable Lionesses just couldn’t find a way to put the ball into Nigeria’s goal.

However, in the closing minutes of the game, Cameroon sent Annie Enganemben on as they were about to launch a free kick into the Nigerian box.

The substitute, alongside another striker, was seen trying to run towards the Nigerian goal in an attempt to touch the net, but Oshoala didn’t allow that to happen. Eventually, she broke free but hit Nnadozie in the process and she was given her marching orders.

Several people have claimed that the player was sent on to touch the net in a bid to give Cameroon a saving grace as they were running out of options, and had to resort to diabolical means.

Speaking after the match, Coach Randy Waldrum revealed that he didn’t believe in whatever the Cameroon team tried to do, and was just happy he got the win.

“I don’t believe in voodoo, so I don’t know what all of that was about,” the 67-year-old gaffer said in quotes revealed by Symfoni.

In the same vein, defensive midfielder, Deborah Abiodun played down the the effect of the action that ensued in the dying minutes.

“I’m a local girl, so I understand what happened. We kind of saw it as a point of distraction but we remained focused regardless of whatever they believe in, we believe in God and in Him we stand. So we don’t care about the voodoo,” the Pitt Panthers player added.