Tolu Arokodare explains why he prayed with an opposing player after their match, saying they wanted to thank God for goals and an injury-free game
Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare has explained why he shared a moment of prayer and thanksgiving with an opposing player after their football match, saying the gesture was intended to celebrate their Christian faith and appreciate God for their blessings.
Arokodare gave the explanation in a video shared on X on Friday by Nigerian sports journalist and broadcaster Pooja, following a post-match moment that attracted attention online.
The striker said the prayer session had initially been planned before the match, but the arrangement could not take place because the other player had a meeting.
He clarified that although they were not particularly close friends, they knew each other and had met previously.
“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.
According to Arokodare, both players had discussed coming together before the encounter to pray, praise God and express their gratitude for their faith in Christ.
However, the opposing player was unavailable at the agreed time because he had a meeting.
“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,” the Nigerian forward explained.
The opportunity eventually came after the final whistle, when the two players decided to pray together and give thanks for the match.
Arokodare said they were grateful that the game had ended without injuries and that both players had scored during the encounter.
“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.
He added that the gesture was also intended to demonstrate the importance of faith in their lives and encourage others through their public expression of gratitude.
“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 striker said both players considered the post-match moment an appropriate opportunity to celebrate their faith.
“We both felt it would be a good moment to celebrate God, and that’s what it was about,” he said.
The gesture has drawn attention to the expression of faith among professional footballers, with Arokodare making clear that the prayer was a personal act of thanksgiving rather than a post-match rivalry issue.
