Super Eagles Saviour? T.B. Joshua, Adeboye, Kumuyi And God's Position On The Football Pitch

Uproar was ignited throughout Ghana last month, the embers of debate still refusing to settle till date. The heated subject was none other than Nigeria´s own Pastor TB Joshua, whose claim to Ghanaian fame goes beyond merely being their president´s close friend. ´Coach TB´, as he is jokingly being referred to of late, is said to have played a part in Ghana´s recent World Cup success in the U-20 region, an assertion surprisingly confirmed by the Black Satellites coach Sellas Tetteh.

According to Tetteh, he had called Joshua on the day of their final encounter with Brazil to seek the mind of God, the prophet later revealing to him exact details of the upcoming match, such as the facts that a Ghanaian player would be sent off in the first half, the game would be goalless and penalties would finally determine the outcome. Joshua further advised that the Satellites captain, Dede Ayew, should be the one to take the first penalty for Ghana if the cup was to arrive on African soil for the first time in history. As we all know, the events that then transpired etched a fresh page in Ghanaian folklore.

Debates have since run rampant with issues such as the role of spirituality in sports coming to the limelight. Although the notion of pastors praying for sports teams is not a new one, the accuracy of Joshua's prophetic insights to Tetteh is unique to say the least. Of late we learned Deeper Life´s William Kumuyi went to the Super Eagles hotel in Abuja to pray for victory before their disappointing draw against Tunisia, and Redeemed´s G.O Baba Adeboye called for 3 days fasting and prayer in June for the Eagles qualification. Yet it seems a new standard is being set for pastors who wish to divinely delve into sporting issues – surprisingly by none other than T.B. Joshua, the man most Pentecostal leaders in Nigeria have vehemently rejected and denied.

Intrigued at the latest events, I actually watched Emmanuel TV last Sunday to hear the prophet´s take on the whole issue. It was both enticing and enlightening. Defining a pastor as one who speaks the opinion of God to all who seek it in humility, Joshua explained a prophet´s role in such a scenario goes beyond merely revealing the outcome of a match, but explaining the details therein - insinuating that a simple forecast of victory or defeat could just be a product of mental calculation and thus cannot be regarded as prophetic. "When you receive something from God, you will see the whole details," he said.

He further countered the malevolent allusion painted by some politically-inclined members of the Ghanaian press that he was attempting to take glory for the Satellites victory, describing himself as ´a simple donkey´ who could only disclose what the Father revealed to him from above, with no power to alter such. He then explained how the opinion of God can guard one against error and mistake.

As a seeming seal of legitimacy, another event of similar proportions was highlighted in the service. Coach John Obuh of Nigeria´s Golden Eaglets was heard in a telephone conversation with Joshua before the Eaglets encounter with Argentina, the pastor telling him that the Argentines would score in the first five minutes, the Eaglets would win by one goal and his boys would work a penalty in the last 15 minutes. Subsequent events followed in the footprints of the revelation, Nigeria winning the match 2-1, a late penalty securing the victory. Just like that.

I believe the Satellites Saga elicited such marked controversy simply because it was the first time in World Cup history such had occurred. Its uniqueness attracted unique debate and disdain. But considering biblical times, was it not the norm for Kings to consult Prophets before taking major decisions such as taking a nation to war? The biblical role of a pastor goes beyond mere prayers for the people concerned. A pastor is to speak the mind of God, to act as God´s mouthpiece and representative here on earth, to stand as a communicator between unseen and seen.

It appears we have become accustomed to the diluted norm of mere prayers from pastors without divine assertion of what is to come, the furious debate surrounding this event highlighting the uncanny level of ignorance pervading Christendom. I am in no position to imply that Adeboye, Kumuyi and their colleagues in the vineyard are not of God – the judgement of pastors belongs to the Almighty alone - but it seems Joshua is redirecting our attention back to the standards set in the Scriptures, as well as demonstrating their reality even in the 21st century.

This does not mean prayers do not change things or are not important, but aside from just praying to God, a pastor should be able to speak the mind of God to those who seek it, whatever the situation on ground. It also does not mean that concerted effort and tactical competence is not required from the team. As Joshua himself said, they must play as if everything depends on them and pray as if everything depends on God.

It is still surprising to me that some ministers of God have the notion to attribute such divine prowess to satanic sources when time and sheer circumstance increasingly testify to the veracity of Pastor Joshua´s ministry. Upon viewing Emmanuel TV, it is clear to me that most of his detractors´ ramblings and ranting are born out of resentment, not contentment or genuine concern. Others appear to be on a subtle political vendetta to discredit Joshua´s friend Mills, whose ascension to power also serves as a veritable testimony to the power of God´s prophetic gifting in the pastor´s unique life.

In any case, this recent revelation has further heightened my desire to learn more the ways of the Almighty, which are entirely beyond the comprehension of us mere mortals. And with the Super Eagles playing the Harambee Stars of Kenya this week, I wonder whether the solution might be found in this unlikely source – Amodu and his boys seeking the mind of God from His prophet.

Who knows? Super Eagles may still fly to South Africa…