Popular cleric and founder of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, is facing intense criticism after his grim prediction about Ademola Lookman was contradicted by the Super Eagles’ opening game at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Ahead of the tournament, Ayodele had warned that Lookman would not make a positive impact for Nigeria. However, the Atalanta forward proved him wrong on the pitch, scoring the decisive goal in Nigeria’s 2–1 Group C victory over Tanzania.
Lookman struck with his left foot just one minute after Tanzania’s Charles M’Mombwa had cancelled out Semi Ajayi’s opener, sealing a crucial win for the Super Eagles and igniting reactions across social media.
In his pre-tournament comments last Saturday, Ayodele had cautioned the coaching crew against relying on certain players, singling out Lookman in particular. He also advised the team to find an alternative to first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and suggested that Victor Osimhen should not play full matches.
“The coach doesn’t have luck, and that will affect us. But we won’t be eliminated early if the right people are used. Ademola Lookman will not help them. They need another option aside from Nwabali, and we can reach the final,” the cleric said.
Following Nigeria’s win on Tuesday, media strategist Deji Adesokan resurfaced the prophecy on social media, triggering widespread reactions from fans.
“Primate Elijah Ayodele reportedly warned that Ademola Lookman would bring bad luck to the Super Eagles and advised the coach not to use him against Tanzania. The pitch, however, told a different story as Lookman scored the winning goal,” Adesokan posted on X.
Many Nigerians were quick to mock the prediction. One user, Yoruba Demon, wrote, “Thank God it’s bad luck he prophesied. His prophecies usually work in reverse. If he saw bad luck, then good luck is guaranteed.”
Another fan, Jimada Gan, added, “The pitch doesn’t recognise prophecies but only goals. And Lookman delivered.”
Others were less restrained in their criticism. Nnayi Lexon commented, “Elijah Ayodele has done it again. The last football prophecy failed, and now this one too.”
Franklin Ezeudu said the outcome reinforced the importance of performance over superstition. “What happens on the field speaks louder than predictions. Lookman showed that preparation and talent matter more.”
An X user identified as Jeff wrote, “Football is about skill and tactics, not superstition. This man should keep these things away from sports, just like politics.”
Lucky Stone added, “In 2025, people still take these pastors seriously? Unbelievable.”
Similar reactions surfaced on Facebook. Joe Ezemba remarked, “Any prophet who starts predicting football or politics has crossed the line,” while Godwin Monorie noted, “A true prophet doesn’t comment on every minor issue.”
However, a few voices called for patience. Writing via Eagle Online, Ganiyu Mubarak argued that it was too early to dismiss the prophecy entirely.
“The Super Eagles have played just one match. There are still group games and knockout rounds ahead. One goal cannot determine how the entire tournament will unfold,” he wrote.
This is not the first time Primate Ayodele has ventured into football predictions. In 2024, he warned that Victor Osimhen would struggle if he joined Chelsea and also claimed the striker’s five-year spell at Galatasaray would not yield success.
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