A prayer said by Pastor Jimmy Odukoya of The Fountain of Life Church was rejected by God as seen in the result of the World Cup play-off final between Super Eagles and DR Congo on Saturday.

The Super Eagles lost the game in a penalty shootout, missing out on participating in the 2026 World Cup.

Before the match, Pastor Odukoya said a loud prayer before his congregation for the Super Eagles to win the game and proceed to the World Cup.

He said, "Nigeria is playing Congo this evening. Father, God, you have brought us this far. You have not brought us this far to leave us now. That World Cup, we must enter. God no go shame us.

"Father, we thank you for Osimhen. He will find the net in Jesus name. He will strike with precision in Jesus name. We thank you for our defensive line - Bassey, Frederick and all the two in between - They will be like a wall that cannot be penetrated. Every shot is back to sender.

"We thank you for Nwabali, you make his feet like hinds feet. His eyes are sharp, his hands are strong. He will catch any arrow in the name of Jesus.

"Father, as Congo have come, they will be going. Congo will come and go and in the name of Jesus, we will enter the World Cup."

Following Super Eagles' loss, many netizens took to the cleric's page to mock him.

An X user, @compoundinnaira, said, "These kinds of prayers too funny to me. I am rolling on the floor. He thinks the other country doesn’t know how to pray."

@YaayaOrtiz said, "Another illustration that God can never come to your aid over things he has given you the ability to execute. All that was needed was adequate preparations, which we failed due to the corruption embedded in the @thenff. And you want to waste energy praying? Nigerian players couldn’t string five advanced passes without launching the ball. I can’t watch and expect them to win no matter how patriotic I am."

@AdepojuWilliam4 said, "God cannot be mocked. Football is technicality, tactics and confidence. Super Eagles lacked it and they lost."

@Hoodrichmusic1 said, "Nigeria, stop constantly calling on God for everything. The Super Eagles simply reaped what they sowed. You can’t build a team on corruption and then expect good results it has nothing to do with prayers or calling on God."

@HmmNow said, "God doesn't answer mumu prayers. Look at a so-called clergyman turning the pupil to a football supporters club arena."

ASA