By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The lead pastor of Zoe Household Global Church, Pastor Dolapo Lawal, has come under heavy criticism on social media following the resurgence of a sermon in which he declared that Arsenal F.C. were “cursed” and incapable of winning the English Premier League title.
The backlash intensified after Arsenal were officially crowned champions following Manchester City F.C.’s 1-1 draw against AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday night, ahead of the final round of league matches on Sunday.
In the sermon, which has now gone viral across multiple social media platforms, Pastor Lawal confidently dismissed Arsenal’s title chances despite their commanding lead at the top of the table.
According to him, “Arsenal cannot win. Didn’t I say it? You were here when I said it three months ago that even if the gap is 29 points, Arsenal cannot win. There is a way you will watch a club, you don’t need prophecy, they are cursed.”
The cleric also sparked reactions after extending the football banter to relationships, advising women to reconsider dating Arsenal supporters.
“And peradventure you are here, a lady, if an Arsenal fan should ask you out, it’s a bad sign. You need to check yourself that of all people, Arsenal?” he added.
Following Arsenal’s title triumph, the video quickly resurfaced online, attracting criticism, mockery and debate among football fans and social media users.
Popular broadcaster Nedu Wazobia was among those who reacted, questioning how the pastor would address members of his congregation after the failed prediction.
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Several other users also flooded social media with humorous reactions, with some suggesting that Arsenal supporters should attend church services wearing club jerseys in celebration of the team’s victory.
Others, however, criticised the use of football banter during church sermons, arguing that spiritual platforms should not be used for divisive commentary or statements that could later be interpreted as prophecy.
Reacting to the controversy, Pastor Lawal later released another video clarifying that his earlier comments were not prophetic declarations but ordinary football banter directed at Arsenal supporters within his church.
“I was joking. I am not cursing Arsenal and God didn’t tell me something about Arsenal. It was just normal banter that I make with Arsenal fans in my church,” he explained.
In an apparent effort to calm tensions, the pastor reportedly organised a thanksgiving service for Arsenal supporters in the church and encouraged women to be open to relationships with Arsenal fans.
Despite the clarification, criticism continued online, with some users accusing the cleric of trivialising spiritual authority through football-related remarks.
Among those who reacted was Apostle Henry Oburu, who argued that statements made from the pulpit could easily be perceived as prophetic declarations regardless of the speaker’s intentions.
