The Champions League encompasses the enigma surrounding Olatunji's communication
It's common for footballers to share messages after scoring goals, but Victor Olatunji's "The Chosen One" message on Wednesday for Sparta Prague's Champions League win against RB Salzburg raised some eyebrows. At half-time, the Nigerian striker revealed a message written on his undershirt that read, "I am a chosen. Who are you?" after scoring the 2:0 in the 42nd minute. His celebration included mimicking Cristiano Ronaldo's famous hand-to-ear celebration, jumping, and then showing off the message to the cameras.
Church with Miracles and Work Visas
Some speculate that Olatunji's message might be connected to the Nigerian Pentecostal churches gaining popularity in Africa's most populous country. A church named "The Lord's Chosen" (The Chosen Ones of the Lord), established in 2002, is one such congregation. Known for its own radio station and online services, this revival church claims to perform miracles through prayer and the Holy Spirit. Alleged miracles include healing diseases, career successes, and even securing Europe's coveted work visas.
While not every church member uses the phrase "I am a chosen one," the term is prevalent in some testimonies. Last weekend, another Nigerian footballer, Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen, caused a stir with an unusual goal celebration. Boniface pulled down his pants and danced on the field after scoring. He explained that he was simply following a popular TikTok trend started by a Nigerian influencer.
The Nigerian Guardian, however, draws a different connection between Olatunji's goal celebration and the evangelical Pentecostal church. The "The Lord's Chosen" church, with its growing following in Nigeria, has been linked to Olatunji's controversial message.
The "The Lord's Chosen" church, known for its claim of securing Europe's work visas through miracles, might have influenced Victor Olatunji's use of the phrase "I am a chosen one" in his Champions League winning celebration. Victor Olatunji's celebration of Sparta Prague's win against RB Salzburg in the Champions League drew attention due to its connection with the church's ideology, as he mimicked Cristiano Ronaldo's celebration and revealed a message on his undershirt.
