The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has sparked renewed discussions on prophecy and spiritual discernment after reflecting on a controversial prediction linked to Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign.
Speaking at a recent programme at RCCG Redemption City, Pastor Adeboye advised believers to exercise caution when responding to prophetic pronouncements, warning against what he described as sensational or questionable prophecies that are becoming increasingly common in public discourse.
Although he did not mention any prophet by name, Adeboye indirectly referred to a widely shared prophecy credited to Primate Elijah Ayodele. The prophecy, made ahead of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, reportedly warned that Super Eagles winger, Ademola Lookman, should not be included in the national team if Nigeria wanted to succeed in the tournament.
The prediction quickly gained attention on social media, where many interpreted it as foretelling misfortune or poor performance for the Atalanta forward. However, subsequent events on the field appeared to contradict that narrative.
Lookman went on to score the winning goal in Nigeria’s 2–1 opening victory over Tanzania and delivered an impressive performance against Tunisia, scoring once and providing two assists in a dramatic 3–2 win that secured the Super Eagles’ place in the knockout stage.
Recalling the episode during his sermon, Pastor Adeboye said he found the situation amusing when he came across the prophecy.
“I was laughing when I read that a prophet said that if we wanted to win a match, a particular player must not be selected, and they ignored him, and the same player scored the winning goal. I just said, glory be to God,” he told the congregation.
Caution Against Sensational Prophecies
While acknowledging the place of genuine prophecy in the Christian faith, Adeboye stressed the need for caution. He urged believers not to treat every spiritual claim as divinely inspired, noting that some individuals make dramatic statements for attention rather than spiritual guidance.
“Be careful how you handle a prophet that God has truly sent to you,” he warned. “There are many self-acclaimed prophets seeking relevance, but their words are not always from God.”
He also reminded the congregation that breakthroughs and success are achieved through authentic divine direction, not through sensational or attention-seeking declarations. Adeboye used biblical examples to emphasize that true spiritual insight comes with responsibility and should guide believers in their faith rather than generate public controversy.
“I am not a prophet; I am a pastor,” he clarified. “It is only that once in a while, God speaks to me, and I believe many of you will not forget what you have heard today.” His remarks underline his position as a spiritual leader who prioritizes pastoral care, teaching, and spiritual guidance over public pronouncements.
Public Debate Over Prophecy and Sports
Adeboye’s comments come amid ongoing public debate in Nigeria about the role of faith and prophecy in sports. Football, in particular, is a domain where prophetic claims often attract attention, especially during emotionally charged tournaments like the AFCON.
Many fans closely follow prophecies related to the Super Eagles and individual players, interpreting predictions as potential indicators of team success or failure. However, sports analysts often caution that football outcomes are influenced by skill, teamwork, preparation, and strategy rather than spiritual declarations.
The prophecy concerning Ademola Lookman gained notoriety not only because of the player’s rising star status but also due to the contrast between the prediction and his actual performance. His impressive contributions in the opening matches, including scoring decisive goals and creating scoring opportunities for teammates, challenged the credibility of the earlier warning.
Primate Ayodele’s Response
Primate Elijah Ayodele, for his part, has defended his earlier comments. He explained that the prediction was misunderstood and should be evaluated within the context of the entire tournament rather than being judged solely on individual matches.
Speaking in a media interview, Primate Ayodele said: “Prophecies are often symbolic and need to be interpreted in the broader context. Focusing only on one game or one player can lead to misinterpretation.” His clarification underscores the complexity of prophetic statements and the need for careful interpretation, especially in matters of public interest such as national sports events.
Faith and Rationality in Modern Nigeria
The episode highlights a wider issue in Nigerian society, where faith and rationality often intersect in public discourse. Many Nigerians embrace spiritual guidance in daily life, including in decisions related to politics, business, and sports. At the same time, there is growing awareness of the need to critically evaluate sensational claims and avoid making important decisions based solely on publicized prophecies.
Religious leaders like Pastor Adeboye are increasingly emphasizing discernment and personal responsibility among believers. By using the Lookman prophecy as an example, Adeboye illustrated the potential pitfalls of unquestioned acceptance of every spiritual claim and encouraged Christians to focus on personal growth, prayer, and practical preparation.
Impact on Players and Public Perception
For Ademola Lookman, the prophecy and the subsequent discussion have been largely peripheral to his performance on the field. Sources close to the player indicate that he remains focused on football and team objectives, rather than engaging in debates over prophetic predictions.
Nevertheless, the discussion has generated significant public interest. Fans, sports commentators, and social media users have weighed in, debating whether spiritual claims should influence team selections or sports narratives. Some observers argue that such discussions can add entertainment value, while others caution that they can unfairly pressure players and affect public perception.
