Sports
A HISTORY OF PROPHET TB JOSHUA’S FOOTBALL PROPHECIES
With the revitalised news of Prophet TB Joshua’s influence in the victory of the Ghanaian team at the Under 20 World Cup in 2009, let us cast a glance on his previous prophetic involvement in football.
T.B. Joshua is no stranger when it comes to the fusion of spirituality and sports!
Nigeria’s triumph against Burkina Faso in the 2013 African Cup of Nations was predicted by Joshua and published in PM News prior to the final game and the late coach Stephen Keshi confirmed he was in regular contact with the cleric throughout the tournament.
When the Super Eagles drew their initial game against Burkina Faso in the qualifying stages, Joshua revealed he had specifically warned Keshi in a phone call against defensive lapses in the second half of the match, an example of the degree at which the cleric’s prophetic guidance was regarded in the dugout.
After Nigeria’s eventual victory, the Nigerian Football Federation publicly thanked the cleric for his prayers and spiritual support in the nation’s victory.
His declaration that Nigeria would miss out on AFCON qualification in the previous tournament proved equally controversial.
“What I saw was not favourable towards Nigeria,” the cleric told congregants on Sunday 2nd October 2011, six days before the Super Eagles crucial qualifying match between Guinea, adding that he saw celebrations amongst the opposition and the team to ‘score first’ would qualify.
“The prediction of Prophet TB Joshua really affected us,” the Super Eagle’s star striker Osaze Odemwengie admitted to reporters after Nigeria were ousted at the expense of Guinea in a thrilling 2-2 draw in which the Guineans indeed scored first.
In Nigeria’s absence, the ensuing competition was equally ‘foreseen’ as Joshua declared minutes before the final between Zambia and Ivory Coast that the Southern Africans would triumph.
“This victory is for a country you are not expecting,” he told congregants at The SCOAN on Sunday February 12th 2012, adding that an error in the 25th minute of the second half where a ball is hit over the bar would prove pivotal.
Didier Drogba’s missed penalty in the 70th minute of the closely contested match – where the ball ballooned wildly over the bar – was a decisive moment in the goalless draw, with Zambia eventually triumphing on penalties to claim a historic maiden victory.
Ghanaians will equally remember Joshua for his ‘spiritual support’ in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2009, where the Black Satellites triumphed against the favourites Brazil to claim the title – a fact recently highlighted by midfielder Gladson Awako.
“During the U-20 World Cup in Egypt 2009, we normally gathered around the centre to pray. The coach usually made us speak to a man on phone. He will put the phone on loudspeaker so we could all hear and then pray and do what he said,” Awako said in an Instagram live chat with YAC Media.
“He predicted that we will get an early red card and also told us how we will arrange the penalty takers. All that came to pass. Honestly, I didn’t know who it was until we won the cup and they told us the man was TB Joshua,” he confirmed.
At that period, Coach Sellas Tetteh had established he was in regular communication with the Nigerian cleric during the final match, emphasising his prayers and spiritual guidance were instrumental to his team’s historic victory.
“He told me we would win the trophy before the tournament and on the day of the game, he again predicted it,” Tetteh told Ghanaian media afterwards, adding the cleric had mentioned specific details pertaining events that unfolded in the tense match.
When South Africa historically hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2010, Joshua also prophesied the results of the opening and final match – in which Spain took the title – as well as Nigeria’s last-gasp qualification for the tournament.
On Sunday 11th October 2009, he stated Nigeria would emerge victorious in their qualifying match against Mozambique, specifying a ‘headed goal’ would earn them victory. The prediction materialised courtesy of an Obinna Nsofor header in the dying seconds of the match, securing the Super Eagle’s qualification.
After the match, then Super Eagles Coach Shaibu Amodu came publicly to The SCOAN to testify, admitting that Nigeria’s qualification was ‘miraculous’ and Joshua’s prophetic intervention had “saved his job”.
Joshua’s prediction that Chelsea would triumph over Bayern Munich in the 2012 Champions League final also went viral.
Recently, Imama Amapakabo, coach of Nigeria’s U23 National Team, revealed that Joshua called him prior to Nigeria’s crucial semi-final clash with Algeria in the AFCON 2019 championship, stressing that the winner of that encounter would go on to win the biennial tournament.
Indeed, Algeria overcame the Super Eagles courtesy of a last-minute free kick from Riyad Mahrez and went on to lift the trophy.
The multiple examples above only serve to heighten the affirmation of the Biblical adage – a prophet is without honour in his hometown.
While an ‘octopus’ was globally eulogised and celebrated for his accurate predictions during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Joshua has remained a target of criticism and controversy, despite his remarkable track record of accurate predictions.
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TY BURATAI emerges as the Champions of Seventh edition of ZAMAN LAFIYA COMPETITION in Maiduguri.
TY BURATAI emerges as the Champions of Seventh edition of ZAMAN LAFIYA COMPETITION in Maiduguri.
TY BURATAI Football Academy defeated FC Crack at the finals of the Seventh edition of Zaman Lafiya competition in Maiduguri on Sunday 3 August 2025.
In his relentless efforts in the restoration of peace and development as well as support toward youths development and engagement including after his service as the Chief of Army Staff, Ambassador General TY BURATAI (rtd) continues his support and youths engagement in Borno state
The most entertaining youths and historic football competition final match was played in Maiduguri between two powerful football Academy’s in the state, TY BURATAI football Academy slog it out against FC Crack Football Academy was played peacefully.
The match, which was played at the El-Kanemi Warriors Sport Centre Maiduguri, witnessed the turnout of hundreds of spectators as well as security agencies in the state.
Following a display of talents and skills from both teams with missing several scoring chances, the match ended in a goalless draw.
Meanwhile, it goes straight into the penalty shootout, TY BURATAI Academy won in a narrow score line after a player from FC Crack missed the first opportunity for them to win the trophy.
TY BURATAI Academy capitalizes on the opportunity and maintains the lead by seven goals to eight in favour of Buratai Academy.
On his remark after the final whistle, Alhaji Ibrahim Buratai President FC Buratai Academy congrats the team in putting efforts of winning tropy and call on youths to show love and togetherness among themselves.
Also adding that it’s a form of non kinetic war by engaging youths in the state so as to do away with all forms of social vices as well as embrace peace, discipline, and love for each other.
It could be recalled that Ambassador General TY BURATAI since his assumption into the office as the Chief of Army Staff has been applying various ways, techniques, and modalities of youth engagement as well as youths development in Borno state and the north east at large.
Highlight of the final match was a presentation of a set of Jersey to each and all the participated clubs and gifts to individuals that distinguish themselves, among other.
Dignitaries at the event include all football stakeholders in the state including Nigerian Football Federation NFF board member Alhaji Babagana Kalli Kachallah Ozogler, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed OC Crack Borno state, Alhaji Ibrahim Mainu Mustapha Chairman Elkanemi Warriors Football Club as well as Kabiru Dogo Technical Director of Elkanemi Warriors Football Club of Maiduguri.
Lagos crowd left stunned as Oyakojo floors Williams in round two to claim national glory
LAGOS, NIGERIA — JULY 30, 2025: Boxing fans at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, were treated to a stunning spectacle on Wednesday as Muyideen Oyakojo knocked out Yinka Williams in just 35 seconds to claim the National Bantamweight Title.
The 10-round, 3-minute per round contest was expected to be a long battle between the two evenly matched fighters—Oyakojo weighing in at 53.5kg and Williams at 53.0kg. However, the bout took a dramatic turn when Oyakojo delivered a crushing blow that led to a technical knockout before the first minute of the second round.
Oyakojo who hails from Itaepo, Ile Ago Compound in Iseyin Local Government Area, said he dedicated the belt to the Oyo State Government.
“I give all praise and gratitude to Allah for His constant mercy over me,” Oyakojo said during a post-fight interview. “This victory is not mine alone—it’s the result of the unrelenting support from Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, and the top-notch training and belief from my coaches, Coach Jumbo Michael and Coach Ajisafe Wahab.”
“This is just the beginning,” Oyakojo added. “I’m focused, I’m ready, and with Allah’s help, I’m going to take this title even further.”
The electrifying atmosphere drew boxing lovers from Lagos, Ogun, and other states across the Southwest, reaffirming the sport’s growing popularity in the region.
The panel of judges for the match included Tayo Olaifa, Constance Chinagorom, and Seyi Ajao, while Referee Seyi George officiated the bout.
The fight was supervised under the auspices of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), with Dr. Rafiu Oladipo, President of the NBBofC, acting as the official supervisor. Other stewards for the event included Gloves Master Oladipo Babalola, Ring Marshal Adewale Abe, and Time Keepers Titilope Ogunkunle and Prince Ade Olofin.
The medical team comprised Dr. Tajudeen Sule and Dr. Chike Ilukwe, while the Board’s General Secretary, Remi Aboderin, served as event coordinator.
With this emphatic victory, Oyakojo not only secures his place as Nigeria’s National Bantamweight Champion but also sends a powerful message to rivals on the national and continental boxing scene.
WAFCON 2025: Nigerians in South Africa Hail Super Falcons.
RABAT, MOROCCO ~ In what will be remembered as one of the most thrilling finals in the history of women’s football on the African continent, Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses 3-2 and lift their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
Trailing by two goals in the first half and facing a roaring home crowd in Rabat, the Falcons embodied resilience, spirit and determination; qualities that have long defined Nigerian excellence in sport. Their triumphant feat, dubbed “Mission X” by fans and commentators, has sparked jubilation across Nigeria and among diaspora communities worldwide.
In South Africa, members of the Nigerian community under the auspices of the Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA), joined the global celebration by issuing a congratulatory message to the team, commending their strength of character and the unyielding Nigerian spirit they displayed.
“The Super Falcons were composed, focused and determined to win the game. It’s not easy for a team to come from two goals down and win, especially against a host nation,” said Smart Nwobi, a lawyer and President of NUSA, in an official statement issued in Johannesburg on Sunday 27th of July.
The July 25 final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium was a clash of titans. Morocco, as host nation and finalists from the previous edition, were seen as favorites on home turf. They struck early with two goals that put the Falcons on the back foot and raised questions about whether Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football had finally met its match; As always, the Super Falcons responded not with fear, but with fury.
Led by star forward Asisat Oshoala, midfield dynamo Christy Ucheibe and the ever-reliable Onome Ebi, the Nigerian side gradually clawed their way back into the game. Uchenna Kanu’s volley opened the comeback before Rasheedat Ajibade netted the equalizer. Substitute Ifeoma Onumonu later buried the winner, sending the entire stadium into stunned silence, except for a pocket of proud Nigerian supporters.
This was more than a football match. It was a demonstration of tenacity, national pride and the never-say-die attitude that has become synonymous with the Nigerian identity.
In cities like Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town, members of the Nigerian community gathered in pubs, viewing centers and homes to watch the final. Celebrations erupted after the final whistle, with fans waving green-white-green flags, singing old football chants and even performing traditional dances in open spaces.
For many, this wasn’t just a football victory, it was a unifying moment that rekindled national pride in a time of widespread economic and political challenges back home.
“We join Nigerians across the world to congratulate the Super Falcons for this historic feat,” NUSA President Smart Nwobi added. “Winning the 10th title proves that Nigeria remains the gold standard in African women’s football.”
Nwobi urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) not to rest on its laurels, emphasizing that preparation for title defense should begin immediately.
“The standard of women’s football in Africa has improved significantly. Countries like Morocco, Zambia and South Africa are investing heavily. This implies that opposition will be stronger in future tournaments,” he warned.
Interestingly, the NUSA President also extended congratulations to South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, who finished fourth in the tournament and were awarded the Fair Play Trophy.
“We salute Banyana Banyana for their discipline and sportsmanship. Despite not reaching the final, they played quality football and upheld the spirit of the game,” Nwobi noted.
Banyana Banyana have consistently proven themselves as Nigeria’s fiercest rivals in recent years, winning the 2022 edition of WAFCON and challenging Nigeria’s supremacy in women’s football.
Nigeria’s 2025 WAFCON victory has come at a crucial time. Amid soaring inflation, insecurity, youth unemployment and social unrest, this moment of national triumph offered a rare occasion for collective joy. The Super Falcons reminded Nigerians that even when the odds seem impossible, victory is always within reach. This tournament was also a showcase of Nigeria’s depth of talent. The Falcons fielded a younger team, integrating new talents such as Esther Okoronkwo, Rofiat Imran and Deborah Abiodun, who brought pace and freshness to the squad. Their performance demonstrated that the next generation is ready to carry the legacy forward. Nigeria’s performance shows what can be achieved with unity and purpose.
“This victory is symbolic. It tells us that when we fight together as a team and believe in our strength, we can overcome any odds. That’s a lesson the whole nation must learn, not just in football but in governance, industry, and civic life,” Nwobi added.
While fans celebrate, football stakeholders must begin the work of consolidating this achievement. There is a clear need for improved investment in women’s football development both at grassroots and professional levels. The Falcons’ consistent success masks the systemic neglect they face. From poor training facilities and inadequate pay to travel and accommodation issues, the players have continually pushed forward in spite of these challenges. Nigeria owes them more. The diaspora community, particularly influential groups like NUSA, has a key role to play. Through partnerships, sponsorships and advocacy, they can support female athletes and influence policy change back home.
“Let this victory be a wake-up call. Let it motivate us to demand better treatment and support for our athletes. If they can bring us pride and unity, the least we can do is empower them,” Nwobi concluded.
With this 10th title, the Super Falcons have once again asserted Nigeria’s position as Africa’s football powerhouse. But beyond the medals and trophies, they have given a nation (and its scattered sons and daughters) a reason to believe again. They have reminded us of who we are: a people that rise from adversity, defy the odds, and shine when it matters most.
From Rabat to Lagos, from Abuja to Johannesburg, one message rings clear: Nigeria is still the giant of Africa and our women just proved it again.
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