By Ayomide Otitoju
Nigeria’s Super Falcons are basking in continental glory following their dramatic 3–2 victory over hosts Morocco to win the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). But behind the team’s historic comeback lies a lesser-known story of spiritual preparation credited by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) leadership as key to the nation’s football successes.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, a practicing Muslim, has publicly acknowledged the spiritual dimension of Nigeria’s football triumphs, attributing part of the team’s success to divine guidance and the prophetic insights of Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church.
Gusau’s relationship with the cleric began during his 2022 campaign for the NFF presidency, when Ayodele—without any personal interaction—predicted Gusau’s victory and advised then-incumbent Amaju Pinnick not to seek re-election. Since his win, Gusau has maintained regular contact with Ayodele, whom he regards as a spiritual advisor.
“I want to assure you that we will always listen to you. We believe in prayer, and we will continue to pray,” Gusau said during Ayodele’s visit to the NFF headquarters. “If you said it and it came to pass, then my success is also your success.”
Primate Ayodele has since become a regular spiritual consultant for the NFF, offering guidance on matters ranging from player selection to match strategy. His prophetic warnings and insights are reportedly shared with Gusau in private, including specific match details such as potential turning points, opponent weaknesses, and tactical approaches.
Ahead of WAFCON 2024, Ayodele predicted that the Super Falcons would reach the final but cautioned they must not let the trophy slip from their grasp. His warning proved prescient. The Nigerian team overcame a 2–0 deficit in the first half, equalised, and later secured victory after a potentially match-deciding penalty for Morocco was overturned.
Gusau, who was present at Ayodele’s annual thanksgiving service earlier this year, reiterated his commitment to maintaining the spiritual partnership. “When someone who doesn’t know you supports you publicly, and it comes to pass, you don’t take that lightly. This is beyond religion—it’s about divine destiny and purpose,” he said.
Ayodele’s involvement in Nigerian football has grown steadily, particularly through his Warnings to the Nations prophecy book, where he routinely shares forecasts concerning global events, including major football tournaments.
His past prophecies have also included warnings about the Super Eagles’ performance in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he predicted the team would “see the cup but not touch it”—a scenario that played out when Nigeria lost in the final.
Today, Primate Ayodele is seen by many as the spiritual figure behind Nigeria’s football resilience, while Gusau continues to blend administrative reforms with what he calls “faith-based wisdom” to guide the future of Nigerian football at all levels.
