Primate Ayodele Claims Lookman’s Goal Was Meant for Osimhen

A Controversial Take After Nigeria’s AFCON Win

In the aftermath of Nigeria’s 2–1 victory over Tanzania in the Group C opening fixture of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), an extraordinary claim has emerged from controversial prophet Primate Ayodele. According to the cleric, the winning goal scored by Ademola Lookman — a decisive strike that secured all three points for the Super Eagles — was not originally intended for him. Instead, Primate Ayodele insists the goal was meant to be scored by Nigeria’s talisman Victor Osimhen. He also emphasizes that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) disrespected divine instruction, leading to what he says was a suboptimal performance.

This article explores his comments in depth, contrasts them with the actual match events, analyzes public reactions, and considers the broader implications for Nigerian football. It also provides contextual links and reputable sources to help you explore related topics further.

Match Recap: Nigeria vs Tanzania at AFCON 2025

Nigeria kicked off their AFCON campaign with a narrow but vital win against Tanzania in Fes, Morocco. According to multiple reports, the Super Eagles took the lead through defender Semi Ajayi in the first half, while Tanzania equalized early in the second. Moments later, Ademola Lookman restored Nigeria’s advantage with a superb strike outside the box to make it 2–1. (dailysports.net)

Here’s the series of key events:

• Semi Ajayi headed the Super Eagles into the lead from a well-delivered corner kick. (dailysports.net)
• Charles M’Mombwa equalized for Tanzania shortly after the break. (dailysports.net)
• Ademola Lookman, minutes later, scored the decisive goal to end the match 2–1 for Nigeria. (dailysports.net)
• An Osimhen goal was ruled out for offside earlier in the second half — a decision confirmed by match reports. (dailysports.net)

Primate Ayodele’s Prophecy: What Was Said

According to Primate Ayodele, the national team was given specific divine guidance before the match — guidance he asserts was ignored or disrespected by the NFF. In his public statement, he outlined several claims:

1. Lookman’s goal was not originally meant for him — it was intended for Victor Osimhen.
2. The team could have scored more goals if divine instructions had been respected.
3. Nigeria will face negative consequences for ignoring what God revealed.

This religious framing merges prophecy with sporting performance in a way that has immediately attracted attention — particularly because it involves both divine destiny and sporting merit.

Who Are Primate Ayodele and the NFF? Background Context

To fully grasp why these comments have stirred controversy, it’s helpful to understand the public personas involved:

• Primate Ayodele is a well-known cleric in Nigeria who regularly makes public prophecies on politics, national affairs, and even sports outcomes. His forecasts often generate debate and viral reactions on social media.
• The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) manages the Super Eagles and Nigerian national teams. Its decisions around player selection, team strategy, and administrative operations regularly appear in public scrutiny during major tournaments.

Thus, when a prominent figure like Primate Ayodele raises doubt about the team’s spiritual alignment, it touches on both faith and patriotism.

Lookman vs Osimhen: The Football Facts

On the pitch, the scoring story was straightforward: Ademola Lookman was the match-winner for Nigeria. He scored in the second half to seal the win over Tanzania. (dailysports.net)

Lookman’s goal was not only decisive but also technically impressive. Reports describe his strike as a powerful long-range effort that left the goalkeeper with little chance. (dailysports.net)

Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen’s apparent goal was ruled out for offside earlier in the game, a decision made through VAR checks — a modern technology that often influences scoring outcomes. (dailysports.net)

Public Reaction: Supporters and Critics Respond

News outlets and social media users have reacted strongly to the clash between Ayodele’s prophecy and reality. Some Nigerians have mocked the prophecy, arguing that Lookman’s performance on the field disproved the prediction. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), fans openly mocked the notion that divine instruction could determine which player would score:

“The pitch doesn’t recognize prophecies, only goals — and Lookman answered with one.” (punchng.com)

Many users highlighted football logic over prophecy, reinforcing the idea that on-field execution matters more than predictions. Others reminded followers that predictions about sports outcomes rarely align with actual results.

Can Prophecy Influence Performance? A Broader Debate

This incident reignites a much older debate in Nigerian society: whether prophecy and faith should intersect with secular domains like sports.

Supporters of prophetic commentary argue that spiritual insights can influence motivation, team spirit, and national confidence. They believe that following divine guidance could somehow align outcomes favorably.

Critics, on the other hand, emphasize the importance of tactics, skills, preparation, and performance analytics in sports. They caution against attributing athletic success or failure to spiritual destiny alone.

Interestingly, this friction mirrors debates in other sectors, such as politics and economics, where spiritual predictions often compete with rational analysis.

Inside Nigeria Football: Team Performance at AFCON 2025

Putting aside prophetic commentary, Nigeria’s performance in the tournament opener was solid yet far from dominant. The Super Eagles created numerous chances, controlled possession, and appeared superior. Yet they struggled to convert all opportunities. (espn.in)

According to ESPN analysis of the match, Nigeria’s attack showed promise but also revealed vulnerabilities, particularly when defending against Tanzania’s transitional play. (espn.in)

Lookman’s contribution, in this context, becomes even more significant. He not only scored but also helped relieve pressure at a critical moment after Tanzania’s unexpected equalizer. (dailysports.net)

Why Lookman’s Goal Matters

From a sporting perspective, Lookman’s goal matters for several key reasons:

• It secured all three points for Nigeria in their campaign opener. (dailysports.net)
• It demonstrated his ability to respond quickly after Tanzania’s equalizer. (dailysports.net)
• For many fans, it reaffirmed his status as a match-winner and an important asset to the national team. (espn.in)

Meanwhile, the disallowed Osimhen goal reflects the unpredictable nature of football and modern officiating systems like VAR. read also Igbo Community Visits Nnamdi Kanu in Sokoto Prison, Shares Christmas Meals with 1,300 Inmates at docunewscentral.com

External Perspectives: Football Analysis and Player Roles

Many analysts have pointed out that while Osimhen remains Nigeria’s key striker, football outcomes depend on collective team plays. Complimentary attackers, dynamic midfielders, and effective substitutes all contribute to scoring opportunities.

Lookman, for example, has been influential at his club Atalanta and on the national stage, making him a significant part of Nigeria’s attacking plans. His career trajectory — including strong performances in major European competitions and his tactical versatility — proves that his scoring ability is not accidental or fictional.

You can also watch a highlight of Lookman’s goal here: Ademola Lookman scores a stunning goal

• How the Super Eagles Prepare for Major Championships
• Using Data to Assess Football Performance
• Faith and Public Life in Nigerian Society

Conclusion: Faith, Football, and Public Discourse

Primate Ayodele’s claim that Lookman’s goal was meant for Osimhen reflects the complex intersection between faith and sport in Nigerian public life. While prophetic commentary continues to spark debate, the match facts remain clear: Lookman scored, Nigeria won, and the footballing result stands on its own merit.

Fans and analysts alike will continue to debate the relevance of prophecy in sports, yet this episode shows how deeply cultural narratives intertwine with national passions like football.