AFCON 2025: Native Doctor Who Collected ₦55m Arrested After Failed Promise To Deliver Mali Title
- Mali’s AFCON campaign ended in disappointment after failing to reach the semi-finals
- A self-proclaimed native doctor was arrested for allegedly defrauding supporters with promises of victory
- Mali were knocked out of AFCON 2025 after losing to Senegal 1-0 in the Round of 16
Mali’s Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign ended abruptly after a defeat to former champions Senegal in the quarter-finals.
The Eagles had been tipped by fans to go further, but the team failed to win a single match in regulation time throughout the tournament.
Source: Getty Images
The disappointing performance left supporters frustrated and exposed the folly of relying on supernatural assurances.
Social media quickly filled with discussions and memes about the self-proclaimed native doctor who had promised to deliver Mali’s title through spiritual means, a promise that ultimately fell flat.
Mali Police arrest 'fake AFCON priest'
Authorities in Mali have arrested a man identified only as Mr Sinayogo, who allegedly collected over ₦55 million (€33,500) from associates and supporters with the claim that he could ensure Mali’s victory in AFCON 2025.
With the AFCON semi-finals matches now confirmed, with Senegal facing Egypt and Nigeria set to face off against Morocco, Malians are disappointed they have missed out on the AFCON again, despite the promise from the native doctor.
According to L'Equipe, the arrest followed Mali’s elimination and accusations of fraud and false representation.
“Charlatanism is punishable by law in Mali,” said an official from the cybercrime unit.
He added that arresting the native doctor during the tournament would have been difficult due to the ongoing AFCON matches.
After the defeat, an angry mob reportedly went to Mr Sinayogo’s home before police intervened, detaining him at the cybercrime unit.
A social media content creator close to the native doctor explained:
“This man, initially known as a political activist, proclaimed himself a marabout overnight and made a fortune.”
The incident highlights the dangers of exploiting national pride and sports enthusiasm for personal gain.
Mali’s AFCON 2025 exit
Mali endured a disappointing AFCON campaign in Morocco after failing to win a single game during regulation time but managed to reach the quarter-finals.
Source: Getty Images
The Eagles started out their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Zambia, followed by another 1-1 draw against hosts Morocco.
Mali wrapped up their group phase with a goalless draw against Comoros and then advanced through to the Round of 16, winning via penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time against Tunisia.
According to SuperSport, Mali held their nerve in the shootout, recovering from an opening miss to secure a 3-2 victory after the Carthage Eagles failed to convert their final two attempts.
Unfortunately for the Eagles, their luck ran out after they were beaten by Senegal 1-0 in the quarter-final, ending their hopes of winning a first AFCON title, despite the prophecy from a fake native doctor.
Female Native doctors hold WhatsApp training
In another development, Legit.ng reported that reactions have followed an upcoming seven-day WhatsApp training organised by two Nigerian female native doctors to help people understand and answer their calls as diviners.
Ori-Efi Nwambagu, an Enugu-based native doctor, who is one of the hosts, shared the training flyer on Facebook.
Source: Legit.ng
