On getting to Europe, Taribo would find himself entangled in another life of charms and superstitious beliefs.
A move from Auxerre to Milan saw him
playing for rivals AC and Inter — one of few players to achieve the feat
— in a three-year stint in Italy.
With a new-found life of affluence, the
big defender paid huge sums of money for him to be supplied charms to
win games, protect him from career-threatening injuries and also to be
foretold the results of matches before they were played.
The 1998 UEFA Cup winner used to burn
candles and hold a magical stone from Israel before games but he is
bewildered that people are reluctant to publicly identify themselves
with the practice, saying players and officials are deeply involved in
the act.
Taribo said, “Of course yes (I was
involved). 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; magicians are there, voodooists are there.
“In my playing days, when I was ignorant, I used to get some mallams and babalawos (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.
“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.”
When Patience Ikemefuna, an evangelist
who lives in America paid Taribo a visit in Milan, it marked a new phase
in the 1996 Olympic Games gold medallist’s life.
Ikemefuna was perplexed when she
discovered that Taribo was deeply involved in occultism. There were
charms in his wardrobe and other parts of his apartment. Even though her
host resisted initially, she convinced him and after several praying
sessions, Taribo gave his life to Christ.
Today, even though they are not biologically related, he refers to Ikemefuna as “my sister.”
“God used her to change my life and ever
since, my life has never been the same. I’m grateful to her. When I had
an encounter with God and I became born again, I discovered that these
powers were powerless. It was an avenue to collect money from us. There
are lots of voodoo practices in football. If you are not with God, you
have to be with the devil; with the devil they come with everything,” he
added.
What is the difference between life in Christ and one filled with charms?
“You can’t compare,” he said. “When I
was living that ignorant life, I was in darkness. In the darkness, the
devil can give you what God can also give you, but he will give you
without joy and peace. Eventually, you will end up in sorrow. But when
you experience the joy of Christ, it adds no sorrow.
“The joy of the Lord is not only my
strength; it gives me everything I need in life. The love of Christ
comes with freedom, success, favour, expansion and a better life. When
you have all these, you have everlasting peace. That is why I am
comfortable today and I’m happy how God has seen me thus far.”
Trendinggist also reports that Taribo West Former Super Eagles defender is Now a Pastor
He now spend most of his time at home meditating. All he want to do is to keep spreading the gospel.
He now spend most of his time at home meditating. All he want to do is to keep spreading the gospel.
