Celebratory remarks from designated individual Olatunji spark bewilderment
It's not unusual for footballers to reveal messages after scoring goals. But on Wednesday, questions arose about Nigerian forward Victor Olatunji's proclamation of being the "Chosen One" following his goal for Sparta Prague against RB Salzburg in the Champions League. This phrase appears to be linked to a popular Nigerian Pentecostal church known for performing miracles and helping members secure work visas for Europe.
Olatunji, 25, scored the 2-0 interim goal in the 42nd minute of the eventual 3-0 (2-0) win. His celebration included mimicking Cristiano Ronaldo's joyful jump and exposing his shirt with the written message to the cameras before half-time.
Link to a Miracle Church?
Nigerian media outlet "The Guardian" drew a possible connection to one of the rapidly expanding evangelical Pentecostal churches in Africa's most populous country. Established in 2002, "The Lord's Chosen" (also known as "The Chosen Ones of the Lord"), boasting its own radio station and online services, is famous for claims of miracles such as healing diseases, achieving career success, or even securing European work visas through prayers and the Holy Spirit. Church members often use the phrase "I am a chosen one."
Another Nigerian footballer, Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen, caused a stir in the Bundesliga game over the weekend with his unconventional goal celebration. He dropped his pants and started dancing, citing a popular Nigerian influencer's TikTok trend.
Not intending to provoke, Boniface clarified his unusual post-goal dance: "I was just following a trend by a Nigerian influencer who choreographed it for me. He asked if I could do it and I agreed."
After Olatunji's controversial celebration, questions also arose about Boniface's unconventional goal dance in the Bundesliga, as both incidents seemed to draw from popular Nigerian cultural references. Despite Boniface's clarification, the Champions League's governing body might still consider Olatunji's impromptu message on his shirt during his goal celebration to be a breach of the competition's advertising regulations.
