General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has sparked fresh debate on prophecy and discernment after recounting, with humour, a controversial prediction linked to Nigeria’s participation in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations football tournment.
Speaking during a recent programme at Redeemed Christian Church of God’s Redemption City, Adeboye urged worshippers to exercise wisdom in dealing with spiritual declarations, warning against what he described as the growing presence of “funny-funny prophets” in contemporary society.
Without mentioning names, the cleric alluded to a viral prophecy attributed to Primate Elijah Ayodele, who had advised ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco that Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman should be left out of the national team.
The prophecy, widely circulated on social media, was interpreted by many as a prediction of misfortune or poor performance for the Atalanta star.
Events on the pitch, however, appeared to contradict that narrative. Lookman scored the decisive goal in Nigeria’s 2–1 opening win over Tanzania and followed it up with a standout display against Tunisia, scoring once and providing two assists in a 3–2 victory that sealed the Super Eagles’ progression to the knockout stages of the tournament.
Recounting the episode, Adeboye said he could not help but laugh when he read about the prophecy.
“I was laughing when I read that a prophet said if we are to win a football match, a particular fellow must not be included in the team, and they did not listen to him and that fellow scored the winning goal,” he told the congregation, saying “I said, glory be to God.”
The respected cleric stressed that while genuine prophecy remains sacred, believers must be careful not to elevate every claim of divine insight.
Drawing from scriptural account, he said true victory often comes through authentic divine channels, not sensational declarations.
“Take care how you handle a prophet that God has sent to you,” he cautioned, adding pointedly that he was not referring to the multitude of self-styled prophets seeking attention.
Adeboye also clarified his own spiritual office. “Me? I am not a prophet, I am a pastor,” he said, adding that “It is just that once in a while I hear from God, and I believe many of you will never forget what you heard today.”
The remarks come as Nigerians continue to debate the intersection of faith, prophecy and sports, especially in the emotionally charged atmosphere surrounding the AFCON.
Primate Ayodele has since defended his earlier comments, insisting they were misinterpreted and were meant to be assessed over the course of the entire tournament, not isolated matches.
Nevertheless, Adeboye’s light-hearted reflection has resonated widely online, with many Nigerians viewing it as a reminder that outcomes – whether in football or life- often defy human predictions. As the Super Eagles continue their AFCON campaign in Morocco, the episode once again highlights the enduring influence of prophecy in Nigeria’s public conversation, and the caution urged by one of the country’s most revered religious leader.
- Media Report