Why I Prayed with My Opponent After the Match, Arokodare

Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare has shared why he prayed with an opposing player after their match. He said it was a chance to thank God and celebrate His blessings in their lives.

Arokodare mentioned that they had planned to pray before the game. But they could not do it because the other player had a meeting.

In a video that went viral, posted by Pooja, a Nigerian sports journalist on X on Friday, Arokodare explained the situation. He said that while they were not very close friends, they recognized each other and had met before.

“I wouldn’t say we’re the closest of friends, but we’re two players who know each other. We’ve met before, and that was our second time meeting each other,” he said.

Arokodare revealed that both players had talked about praying together before the match to express their Christian faith. But the plan had to be delayed because the other player was busy.

“Before the game, it was something that we spoke about, that we wanted to share a moment in Christ and praise and thank God before the game actually, but he was having a meeting, so he couldn’t do it,” Arokodare explained.

After the final whistle, the players found the chance to thank God for a good match without injuries. They were also thankful for scoring goals in the game.

“It was just the moment that came about after the game, to thank God for the game, for the injury-free game, and also thank God for blessing both of us each with a goal,” he said.

Arokodare added that the prayer was meant to show how important faith is in their lives and inspire others by expressing their gratitude publicly.

He believes that this moment can help highlight the positive impact of God in their lives.

“We just appreciate God and show our gratitude to Him, and celebrate Him, and hopefully have an impact with that gesture to show the world the impact of God in our lives,” he added.

The forward said they both felt that the post-match prayer was a fitting way to celebrate their faith together.

“We both felt it would be a good moment to celebrate God, and that’s what it was about,” Arokodare said.