Burkina Faso international Adama Guira has claimed that his unexplained ankle injury during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire may have been caused by supernatural forces.
The incident occurred during a group stage match against Algeria, leaving the midfielder sidelined for several months.
The Stallions midfielder collapsed without any physical contact shortly before halftime.
Describing the bizarre moment on the program Sport Zone on Burkina Info, Guira said, “I was running quietly, then I heard a huge noise behind me, as if someone had tackled me from behind.
Immediately, I felt pain in my ankle. I stopped, I looked around me, but there was no one.”
This unusual injury marked a pivotal point in the tournament for the former RC Lens player. Having contributed to his team’s progress, Guira’s sudden absence left the Stallions with a critical gap in their midfield.
His statements have sparked curiosity and debate about the role of superstition in African football, where stories of witchcraft occasionally surface.
While such claims are often dismissed as myths or cultural beliefs, Guira’s testimony has added to the narrative of unexplained events on the football field.
The injury, which occurred without any visible cause, has raised eyebrows, with some attributing it to bad luck and others entertaining the possibility of mystical interference.
AFCON tournaments have a long history of blending sport with local traditions and beliefs.
Allegations of witchcraft, while controversial, are not unheard of in African football, adding a layer of intrigue to one of the continent’s biggest sporting events.
Guira’s mysterious injury and subsequent remarks reflect the enduring influence of cultural beliefs in sports, particularly in regions where tradition and spirituality are deeply intertwined.
Whether viewed as an anomaly or something beyond explanation, the incident remains a memorable moment of the 2023 tournament.
Burkina Faso’s journey in the competition continued despite the loss of one of their key players. However, the unexplained nature of Guira’s injury has left fans and analysts speculating about its true cause.
