Ghana defender Rashid Sumaila has hit back at Malam Isaku Salia over claims that he is responsible for the injury suffered by Black Stars teammate Jerry Akaminko ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The spiritualist who alleges that the Al Qadsia defender approached him ahead of the World Cup to help him spiritually to be named in the final squad for the tournament has publicly branded the former Asante Kotoko defender a bad player who uses spirituality to afflict his colleagues with injuries.

But the talented defender has denied the allegations saying the spiritualist is only using his [Sumaila] name to be famous.

"I am a staunch Muslim, and I don't engage in that. I am shocked because I don't know what he is talking about," Rashid told GHANAsoccernet.com

"How would I even want to do that when we were only four defenders in the team? I believe in my prayer as my weapon, and I pray five times a day. So what at all will I be seeking from a spiritualist? The troubled player questioned.

The former Sundowns defender added that he does not even know the said spiritualist who claims he is the cause of Akaminko's predicament.

"Wallahi I don't even know him. I just heard the news this morning and I was shocked."

"I have never been to any spiritualist in my entire career before so he should come again."

"This man only wants attention and is trying to pitch me and Jerry at each other. But Allah will punish him."

The defender concluded that Malam Isaku Salia is only an attention seeker and must not be taken seriously.

"He wants to make a name for himself, but I think he has chosen the wrong person. He only wants attention and is just trying to use me. My Allah will fight for me," Rashid said.

Jerry Akaminko's injury laid him off for close to nine months, thwarting his World Cup dream with the Black Stars.