Super Eagles defender, Leon Balogun says Ghana may have used ‘juju’ against Nigeria in World Cup playoff

Leon Balogun, a defender for the Super Eagles, questioned the application of the away goals rule in Africa and said that Juju may have played a role in Ghana’s World Cup qualification in Qatar.

By virtue of the away goal rule, the Black Stars of Ghana defeated the Super Eagles to earn a spot in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup. Thomas Partey’s goal in Abuja meant that Ghana qualified for the tournament in Qatar before Nigeria.

Speaking nine months after the painful defeat, Balogun revealed that Ghana’s last-minute decision to change venues could be based on black magic.

“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,” Balogun told The Beautiful Game.

“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 where they have never lost and they say whether Juju may or may not have been involved also or whatever.

“It was tough for us. I can’t lie…..It was really tough and we ended up playing [0-0.”

Ghana have since been eliminated from the World Cup in Qatar after winning just a game in from their three group matches.