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.
Libya vs Nigeria: Confusion As CAF keeps parties in suspense
The Confederation of Africa Football is keeping all concerned in suspense after failing to announce its verdict on Wednesday as regards the botched AFCON qualifying Group A fixture scheduled for October 15 at Benina Martyrs Stadium.
It appears the football body has yet to arrive at a decision, with BeIN Sports revealing that the Disciplinary Committee entertained explanations from both parties on Wednesday via video conference, with Libya and Nigeria duly represented.
CAF had previously decided to cancel the Libya-Nigeria match after the Nigerian national team left Libya in protest at the diversion of its flight to Labraq Airport, where they were locked in for 18 hours with neither food nor water.
Nigeria had called on CAF to intervene to rescue them from detention inside Labraq Airport, according to the Nigerian side’s allegations.
CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, said that the incident was under investigation as the rules for receiving visiting teams are being reviewed, stressing that CAF will take strict decisions in this crisis and will not tolerate any deviation.
Full List: Lookman, Ekong nominated for 2024 CAF men’s footballer of the year award
Ademola Lookman and William Troost Ekong have been nominated for the 2024 Confederation of African Football (CAF) men’s player of the year award.
The duo will battle Achraf Hakimi of Morocco, Simon Adingra of Cote d’Ivoire, and Serhou Guirassy of Guinea for the most coveted individual prize for male footballers on the continent.
Lookman was the standout performer in Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League triumph last season, netting a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.
The 27-year-old winger also made an impact for Nigeria, scoring three goals in seven appearances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
At the 2023 AFCON, Troost-Ekong was named the tournament’s best player, scoring three goals and leading Nigeria to a second-place finish.
Adron Homes Champions Sports Sponsorship and Talent Discovery with 7th Edition of Adron Games
After six successful editions, Adron Homes & Properties continues to play a pivotal role in the development of sports and talent discovery in Nigeria through its annual sporting event, the Adron Games. What began as a corporate wellness initiative has now grown into one of the nation’s premier platforms for identifying and nurturing young talents, while promoting physical fitness and community engagement.
The 2024 edition, themed “Fit to Be the Biggest”, marks the 7th consecutive year of Adron Games, further cementing the company’s commitment to the sponsorship of grassroots sports. With each edition, Adron Homes not only creates a space for corporate teams and individuals to compete but also paves the way for the next generation of athletes to shine on a national stage.
This year’s event, set to take place at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan from November 29th to 30th, brings even more opportunities for young athletes to showcase their abilities across a wide variety of sporting disciplines, including Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Athletics, Table Tennis, Snooker, Shot Put, Long Jump, E-sports, and Tug of War. With two Nigeria’s Ex International, Daniel Amokachi and Mutiu Adepoju both legendary figures in Nigerian football serving as ambassadors, the games underscore the crucial role of sports in shaping lives and fostering unity.
Daniel Amokachi, while addressing the media at the event’s unveiling, emphasized the need for consistent support from businesses and brands to nurture talent in Nigeria. “Sports in Nigeria need more support from businesses and brands to help discover and nurture young talent. Through initiatives like the Adron Games, we’re able to uncover the next generation of stars while also promoting a healthy lifestyle,” said Amokachi.
In line with Adron Homes’ strategic goals, Emmanuel Oladapo, Director of Sport Adron Homes and the Organising Department, shed light on the innovative developments and strategies being brought to this year’s games. During his speech, Oladapo emphasized the importance of preparation and structure in making this year’s Adron Games the most successful yet.
“We’re focused on ensuring that every aspect of this year’s games is elevated. From athlete development to team preparation, my team and I are introducing new strategies that will provide a more competitive and organized experience for all participants. We want to make sure the games grow bigger each year while also ensuring that they remain an important platform for talent discovery,” Oladapo stated.
He further highlighted a series of pre-event activities leading up to November, which have been designed to ensure that teams are fully prepared for the competition. These preparatory events, which include team training sessions, practice tournaments, and fitness camps, will help refine skills and foster teamwork among the athletes. “We want the teams to have ample opportunity to train, strategize, and perfect their game before the main event in November,” Oladapo explained.
As part of the unveiling, Oladapo also showcased the official team jerseys, which were presented to the respective teams. The jerseys, designed to promote team spirit and a sense of unity, reflect the vibrant and competitive nature of Adron Games. “These jerseys represent more than just clothing; they symbolize the hard work, dedication, and passion that each team will bring to the field. We’re proud to have created a look that inspires pride and excellence,” he added.
By investing in sports sponsorship, Adron Homes not only encourages a culture of fitness and wellness but also contributes to the larger goal of empowering youth and developing Nigeria’s sports industry. The company’s Group Managing Director, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has been at the forefront of these efforts, recognizing the transformative power of sports as a tool for positive change.
Mutiu Adepoju, speaking at the media briefing, echoed this sentiment, stressing the unifying power of sports and commending Adron Homes for their ongoing dedication to its promotion. “Sports is not only about fitness but also about unity and creating opportunities for the youth. Adron Homes’ commitment to this cause is invaluable in the continued development of sports in Nigeria,” Adepoju remarked.
As Adron Games 2024 approaches, the spotlight is once again on sports as a catalyst for talent discovery and community development, with Adron Homes & Properties leading the charge.
For more information, sponsorship, vendor registration and inquiries, please contact:
Mr Emmanuel Oladapo: 08100760100
Adron Sports Foundation: 08061594375