ALBAWABA - A unknown Ghanaian fan has been propelled into the global spotlight with the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being connected to one of the most controversial incidents of the tournament. Ghana won 1-0 over Panama in Group L in spectacular fashion.
The supporter was filmed on television cameras blowing a white powder at the ground as Ghana looked for a winning goal during the match. Moments later Caleb Yirenky scored a thrilling winner in the 95th minute, sparking a flood of conjecture, jokes and conspiracy theories throughout social media.
Who Is the ‘Juju Master’?
The video went viral on the internet, and soccer fans immediately called the supporter the “Juju Master,” referring to traditional supernatural beliefs in areas of West Africa. The word “Juju” is usually used to mean rituals concerned with luck, protection or spirituality.
However, others associated the scenario with “Makumba” – commonly referred to as black magic – leading to a public dispute over the significance of the fan’s actions.
Ghana’s victory in black magic?
There’s no indication that the supporter was performing black magic, or a coordinated ceremony, despite the torrent of social media accusations.
Many online users mistook the notions of Juju and Makumba, acknowledged observers said. Juju is rooted in West African spiritual traditions, whereas Makumba is related with Afro-Brazilian and Latin American religious traditions.
International media sources that covered the episode instantly denied suspicions of supernatural involvement, calling the moment a fan gesture that went viral due of its unusual timing.
Viral Moment Sparks worldwide debate
The supporter became an internet celebrity after he was caught on tape spewing the white powder just before Ghana’s late winning goal, according to Indian entertainment and culture platform PopRant.
The report said the timing of the occurrence sparked debate among fans, many of whom speculated if the powder was tied to traditional Juju beliefs or was just a symbolic gesture to bring good luck to the squad.
Meanwhile, Free Press quoted: There is no authenticated evidence yet to suggest that the supporter was involved in black magic or any particular ceremony. The white powder is of unknown origin and the reasons for gesturing at it are unclear . Theories online have not been independently proven .
What started as a fleeting crowd shot during a World Cup match has become one of the most talked about viral moments of the tournament with fans across the world still divided as to whether it was superstition, coincidence or simply great timing.
