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Claim: A photo of a goalkeeper with an item suspected of ‘black magic’ strapped behind his back has gone viral. Some social media users are alleging the person in question is Yahia Fofana, the Ivorian Goalkeeper during the AFCON final against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Verdict: False. The person in the image is not the Ivorian goalkeeper, Yahia Fofana.
Full Text
Last weekend, one of Africa’s biggest showpieces, the Africa Cup of Nations, ended with a loss for Nigeria against host Ivory Coast. The Ivorians won 2-1 after Sebastian Haller’s finish to complete the comeback for his nation.
Following the defeat, some Nigerians have made several claims. Since 14th February, a viral image has surfaced on social media showing a goalkeeper with a black object tied to his back while catching a ball.
The image has garnered thousands of views and reactions, with many Nigerians reacting. Those sharing the news have also included celebrities, politicians, and general influencers across different social media channels, from X to Instagram.
Among those who have posted this viral picture are journalists and a former presidential spokesperson, Ruben Abati. He posted a photo with the caption, “Video of Ivorian goalkeeper allegedly ‘wearing juju’ during AFCON final sparks speculation.”
The source of the video he posted was a media personality on Instagram adesope-shopysdoo. He posted the caption: “He lost 500 yesterday, and he is now complaining that the Ivory Coast keeper had some juju magic.”
Nigerian Senator Sheu Sani also called on the world governing body for football, FIFA, to investigate the alleged use of juju. In a post on his X account, he stated:
“FIFA should investigate the alleged use of juju by the Ivory Coast Goalkeeper as circulated in the images and take measures. If FIFA fails to do so, next time, we should go with the crew of our native doctors.”
Due to the virality of the narrative, DUBAWA decided to fact-check the claim.
Verification
DUBAWA checked whether the picture in question is that of the Ivorian goalkeeper, as people have claimed. We did not attempt to discover if the black object has supernatural powers because we cannot examine it without the object being present.
The goalkeeper in the viral photo wore a purple kit with an inscription on the back of the jersey reading ‘ASC JARAAF’. However, Yahia Fofana was the Ivory Coast keeper who played throughout the tournament.
Fofanah wore an all-black kit during the finals. None of the two keepers on the opposing side wore a purple kit. This highlight of the final on the official CAF website showed Fofana in the black when Nigeria captain Troost-Ekong headed his goal during the first half.
Here is Fofana pictured with the trophy on Instagram.
Google searches also show that ASC Jaraaf is a Senegalese football club based in the capital, Dakar. A further search on the football database showed the complete list of the players in the club for this season, and Ivory Coast goalkeeper Fofana was not listed as a player for the club. Fofana, 23, is playing football at French Ligue 1 side Angers. He is listed officially on the league’s website.
His biography on Wikipedia states that he has never played for Jaraaf.
Conclusion
Following a thorough photo verification, the viral image is not the Ivory Coast goalkeeper, Yahia Fofana.
