A controversial pre tournament warning by popular Nigerian cleric Primate Elijah Ayodele has spectacularly backfired after Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman scored the decisive goal in Nigeria’s opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations AFCON 2025 against Tanzania.
Newsonspot reports that Nigeria kicked off their Group C campaign with a hard fought 2 1 victory at the Complexe Sportif de Fes with Lookman emerging as the hero on a night when football rather than prophecy had the final say.
Days before the encounter Primate Ayodele leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church had publicly cautioned the Nigeria Football Federation and the Super Eagles technical crew against fielding Lookman claiming the player could bring misfortune to the team and negatively affect their progress at the tournament. The warning circulated widely on social media reigniting debates about superstition and decision making in Nigerian football.
Coach Eric Chelle ignored the call and handed Lookman a starting shirt alongside Nigerias attacking core. The decision proved decisive.
Nigeria took the lead in the first half through defender Semi Ajayi who powered home a header from a set piece to put the Super Eagles ahead. Tanzania responded after the break with Charles Mombwa drawing level and briefly shifting momentum in their favour.
But in the 52nd minute Lookman ended the debate in emphatic fashion. Collecting the ball outside the box the Atalanta forward beat his marker with quick footwork and unleashed a fierce long range strike that flew past the Tanzanian goalkeeper into the top corner. The goal restored Nigerias lead and ultimately secured all three points.
The strike sparked widespread reactions online with fans praising Lookmans composure and decisiveness while openly mocking the failed prophecy. Many described the goal as a reminder that football decisions belong on the pitch not in predictions.
Primate Ayodele who is known for making bold pronouncements on politics sports and global affairs has not reacted publicly to the outcome as of the time of this report.
With the victory Nigeria now sit top of Group C and turn their attention to their next fixture against Tunisia. For the Super Eagles it was not just a winning start to AFCON 2025 but a statement that talent preparation and performance outweigh superstition.
Once again football delivered its own verdict and Ademola Lookman answered critics in the only language that truly matters – goals.
