Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has clarified that his recent prophecy on the Super Eagles’ performance at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is being misrepresented.
The statement follows criticism from individuals who claimed the prophet’s prediction about Ademola Lookman was incorrect after the player scored a winning goal.
In a release signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele said the prophecy was being twisted by “mischievous individuals” and emphasized that his comments referred to the tournament as a whole, not a single match against Tanzania.
“My prophecy about Ademola Lookman in the ongoing AFCON tournament is being misrepresented and misunderstood for reasons best known to those individuals,” the statement read.
He explained that his warning concerned Lookman’s overall impact on the team throughout the tournament, not just the opening match. “We have just started the tournament, and only one match has been played. We should wait before judging the prophecy,” Ayodele said.
The prophet urged critics to be patient and allow time to reveal the full outcome of his prophecy rather than making judgments based on a single game.
Ayodele reiterated that his comments are rooted in support for the Nigerian team. “It would be my greatest joy if the Nigerian team wins, but that can only happen if they listen to advice,” he said.
He added that his prophecies are intended to guide and encourage the team to perform at their best. “I have always rooted for the Nigerian team, and I want them to lift the trophy and return home victorious,” he noted.
The statement aims to clarify his position and reinforce that his warnings are meant as counsel for the team’s success in the AFCON tournament.