"I used to get charms from Babalawos"

yinka ogunlami

September 21, 2015 9:43 AM

The former defender who is now the Pastor, Founder of Shelter in The Storm Miracle Ministries of All Nations admits to burning candles and holding magic stones from Israel before games.

Pastor Taribo West former Nigeria Super Eagles Defender, who is popularly known for his colourful hairstyles confessed to burning candles and holding magic stones from Israel before games.

According to ‘Punch,’ the former defender who is now the Pastor, Founder of Shelter in The Storm Miracle Ministries of All Nations no longer wears the flashy and oftentimes crazy hairstyles that stood him out in the crowd.

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West said that most players and coaches involved usually do not own up to the act.

When asked by Tana Ayejina if he was involved in the act while he was a defender for the Nigeria Super Eagles, he replied with a straight yes and further that some believes in it and it works for them.

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Read Taribo West’s reply below;

“Of course yes, 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; are there, are there.

In my playing days, when I was ignorant, I used to get some and (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.

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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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