Renowned Nigerian Prophet TB Joshua of Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) says he has stopped prophesying on the outcome of football matches as one way of protecting his followers and integrity from aggressive supporters across the globe.
Prophet T.B. Joshua made his announcement Sunday during a church service in Lagos-Nigeria attended by thousands of people from across the world and monit...ored on Emmanuel Television.
"I have resigned [from] prophesying for football matches from today and my God has approved it," said Prophet T.B Joshua bringing the whole congregation to silence.
However, the man of God was quick to say he will only attend to those (players and teams) that will need to hear God's direction on their career and the outcome of their games.
"I have been prophesying about the results of football matches before the games are being played, but many people including my fellow Pastors could not take my words and, instead, they have been threatening my followers. Some could even go for fasting, praying against the will of God," the Prophet said.
"Last year I prophesied that Nigeria would not make it to Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON], but many prophets in my country rose against me and started fasting against the will of God, which is a sin before the eyes of God Almighty," he added.
He further said when he prophesied about the outcome of last year's AFCON finals between Zambia and Ivory Coast which he said Zambia would carry the day, many people around the world, Ivory Coast in particular, accused him that he contributed to their failure. He, however, said the accurate prophesy was honoured by celebrated African footballer Didier Drogba who consequently accepted Jesus Christ as his personal saviour.
"As I am talking to you, this famous player [Drogba] came to this church just to honour the prophesy I gave out and surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. I even told him that next year (2013) will be the year for Nigeria because God had already showed me," Prophet T.B. Joshua said.
His resignation on prophesying for football matches comes barely few weeks after Nigeria was crowned African champions after beating Burkina Faso 1-0 during this year's AFCON which took place in South Africa. Prior to the game, he prophesied that Nigeria would win.