Nigerian actor and clergyman Pastor Jimmy Odukoya has found himself at the center of social media controversy following the Super Eagles' failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The criticism emerged after a viral video showed the pastor praying for the national team during a church service.
The Viral Prayer That Sparked Controversy
During a service at the Fountain of Life Church, Pastor Odukoya, known for his passion for football, offered a prayer for the Nigerian national team before their crucial match against DR Congo. The prayer session occurred as the Super Eagles prepared for their World Cup qualifying playoff match on Sunday, November 16, 2025.
In the now-viral video, Odukoya could be heard praying: "That World Cup we must enter, God no go shame us" as the congregation joined in loud agreement. The prayer specifically asked for divine intervention to secure Nigeria's qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Backlash After Super Eagles Defeat
The situation took a dramatic turn when Nigeria lost 4-3 on penalties to the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs. Following this devastating defeat, Odukoya's prayer video resurfaced online, drawing sharp criticism from social media users.
Popular X influencer OurFaveOnlineDoc led the criticism, stating that "Pastors who do things like this only attract ridicule and mockery" and emphasizing that "God is not a football punter."
The influencer elaborated further: "Making such 'prayers' about a useless football game will only set you up as a laughingstock when the 'prayer' fails as it has clearly done in this regard. It is irreverent to turn a church into a comedy arena for granting football wishes and present God like a genie that decides outcomes of football games."
Social Media Reactions Pour In
The controversy generated significant discussion across social media platforms, with many users expressing their opinions about the pastor's actions.
User @thinklikelay questioned whether the situation was "ever that deep," while @the_oddmind expressed feeling "offended yesterday watching a senior pastor use Sunday service for frivolity."
Another user, @Danielbeloved28, criticized what they perceived as pastors turning "the altar into a jamboree for pathetic display of tomfoolery," while @NigVoteWatchers noted that even if intended as harmless sportsmanship, "it still ended in ridicule."
User @LaVidaMercy supported the criticism, stating: "You're absolutely right. When pastors start praying over football scores like God is some football referee, they turn the entire church into a comedy skit. It's embarrassing, and it cheapens the faith."
Previous Football-Related Prayers
This isn't the first time Pastor Odukoya has incorporated football into his religious practices. Legit.ng had previously reported that the pastor prayed for English Premier League club Manchester United during a church session.
During that prayer, Odukoya acknowledged Manchester United's poor performance in the Premier League, suggesting that God was disciplining the Red Devils while still pleading for divine intervention for his favorite team.
The current controversy highlights the ongoing debate about the appropriate role of religious institutions in sports and entertainment matters, particularly in football-crazy Nigeria where the Super Eagles command massive national attention.
