Leader of INRI Evangelical Church, Primate Ayodele, says Nigeria will qualify for the World Cup but won’t lift the 4th AFCON trophy
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nigerian cleric and leader of the INRI Evangelical Church, Oke Afa, Lagos, Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele has poured cold water on Nigeria’s ambition to win a 4th African Cup of Nation.
He made this known during his annual end-of-year media briefing titled 2022 Prophesies and Beyond, during which he made his predictions for the new year.
Primate Ayodele during the briefing predicted that Nigeria will qualify for Qatar 2022 World Cup: “Yes, the Super Eagles will be in Qatar,” he assured. He, however, said that they cannot lift the AFCON trophy,” Nigeria can only try, but they cannot lift the trophy,” he added.
The Nigerian cleric also predicted that the newly appointed interim coach of the national team, Austin Eguavoen will be given the boot soon.
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He nevertheless predicted that the Super Eagles will flourish better under the guidance of an indigenous coach, than their foreign counterparts.
“Eguavoen will not be on that seat for long. They will just ease him out unceremoniously.
“We need an indigenous coach to help the Super Eagles. Our destiny lies in the hands of indigenous coaches. Unfortunately, the people at the helm of affairs have no faith in them,” he said, adding, “they don’t want Nigerian coaches to grow and these are the people we turn to, whenever we are in trouble. Indeed, it indigenous coaches that will help us go far.” Primate Ayodele said.
He advised the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, to jettison his third term ambition, as it is not the will of God.
In his words, “If it is true that he wants to return for a third term, the question is, ‘is it the will of God that he should run for a third term?’ My answer is no. What he needs to do now is to help the Super Eagles out of the difficult situation they have found themselves in and aspire for higher office, not NFF.”
The 62-year-old Primate also asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino, President of CAF Patrice Mosepe and NFF President Amaju Pinnick to be prepared for more global scrutiny in 2022.
“Infantino will face litigation and will be indicted, while Patrice Mosope, the CAF President will have a tough time. Some of his policies will face a lot of opposition from members of the CAF executive. On his part, Pinnick too should watch it. He will face a lot of opposition from his detractors.” he concluded.
