Ayodele’s Super Eagles Prediction Backfires as Lookman Seals Win Against Tanzania

Ahead of the Super Eagles’ opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Tanzania, self-styled prophet Primate Elijah Ayodele had issued what he described as a prophetic warning over Nigeria’s team selection and match management.

Ayodele cautioned that certain decisions, particularly involving Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, could work against Nigeria if not carefully handled. He claimed that starting Lookman would not deliver the desired impact, while allowing Osimhen to play the full 90 minutes could negatively affect the team’s overall performance.

According to him, “Osimhen should not play 90 minutes. Lookman is not meant to play in this game because he will not help the team. If these instructions are ignored, it will affect the Super Eagles’ progress.”

However, events on the pitch told a different story.

Despite the warning, Ademola Lookman featured in the match and went on to score the winning goal, securing victory for Nigeria against Tanzania and undermining the pre-match prediction.

The outcome has since sparked reactions among fans, many of whom described the prophecy as inaccurate, as the Super Eagles began their AFCON campaign on a winning note.