Sports
T.B. Joshua Predicted Super Eagles Crash
Controversial Nigerian Cleric, T.B. Joshua is in the news again after revelations that he accurately predicted the result of Nigeria’s Super Eagles astonishing failure to qualify for the 2012 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“I was just sitting down and God showed me the game between Nigeria and Guinea next” Joshua stated on Sunday October 2, 2011 during a church service, broadcast live on his Christian television station Emmanuel T.V. “What I saw was not favourable towards Nigeria. If at this time we are stopped it would be very shameful.” Expounding on the match details, he said, “Any one who scores first takes the day. I am seeing the Guinean side shouting,” Joshua had said.
Stating that it was not within his powers to change the outcome, Joshua had added, “if I could do it alone, I would pray and fast to ask God to change the result. But it’s not possible for me to do it. Two of us must believe to make things happen. We must agree and instruction must be given. Let’s honour God and carry him along. Pray as if it all depends on God; play football as if it all depends on you.”
Six days later in the crucial final qualifying game for nations cup, Nigeria forced Guinea to a 2-2 draw after the visitors scored first.
In a telephone chat with reporters at the reception hall of the Transcorp Hilton Abuja shortly after the match, West Bromich Albion striker, Osaze Odemwengie affirmed that the team knew of T.B Joshua prediction and were unhappy that they did not meet Joshua before the gains. “We thought we could see him to see how he could overturn the negative prediction but officials came with another prophet who prayed for us and told us that all was well.”
Reporttedly, Joshua has predicted the results of several other international matches involving Nigeria, especially in their run-up to qualification for 2010 World Cup. He owns a football academy named My People FC which produced Lazio starlets, Sani Emmanuel and Ogenyi Onazi. Emmanuel was voted the MVP at the 2009 U-17 World Cup. Joshua caused quite a media stir in Ghana after their 2009 U-20 World Cup triumph when Coach Sellas Tetteh controversially said he had been in communication with him throughout their final game against Brazil.
His ministry, which regularly attracts African political heavy weights such as Zimbabwe’s Morgan Tsvangarai and Ghana’s John Atta Mills, is renowned for claims of healing, prophecy and extensive humanitarian activities.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.