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Author: mathew obaro
Posted to the web: 2/1/2010 1:10:56 PM

A report in Greece'snational newspaper, 'Ta Nea' has suggested that the Greek National teamsbiggest threat to their South African dreams come June is none other thanNigeria's own Pastor TB Joshua...With Greece and Nigeria drawn in the same group for the first ever AfricanWorld Cup in South Africa, the Greek Press has taken keen interest in thecircumstances behind the Super Eagles dramatic qualification. Greek managerOtto Rehhagel, who was at the helm of affairs at their historic Europeantriumph in 2004, is also said to have taken note of the pastor's input inNigerian football. “The pastor is considered the greatest opponent of OttoRehhagel in the World Cup of SA, because it appears he is responsible forNigeria's qualification to the finals,” said the report, aptly titled 'TheFather Of Football Miracles'.The story chronicled Joshua's recent rise to relevance in African football,noting his purported impact in Ghana's U-20 World Cup victory as well as hisinfluence in Nigeria's impressive outing at the U-17 World Cup where theyeventually turned out runners up. Aside from his prophetic insight to coaches,the article also mentioned notable players who had received prayers from Joshuafor various injuries, the most recent of which was Everton Ace Joseph Yobo, whois said to have received healing at The SCOAN from a hamstring injury sustainedat the AFCON. “The Synagogue Church of all Nations is famous in Africa among the soccerplayers and the coaches,” wrote George Nasmis, a sports writer for Ta Nea. “Itsplatform is found in a poor area of the capital of Nigeria, Lagos, and itsspiritual pastor is T.B. Joshua.” Describing The SCOAN as a 'specialist insoccer miracles', the article then recounted Shaibu Amodu's visit to thechurch, even as a Muslim, where he thanked God for Nigeria's qualificationagainst all odds. “The qualification of the Super Eagles to the finals of the World Cup wasalmost impossible and only a miracle would save us,” Ta Nea quoted Amodu assaying at a thanksgiving service in The SCOAN. “Some believed that even thatwould not be enough. But after Joshua's intervention the team qualified”.Nigeria dramatically qualified for the World Cup after a last-gasp triumph overKenya, with the unfortunate Tunisia falling to Mozambique. Nigeria and Greecewill also have to surmount the challenges of facing Argentina and South Koreain their bid to get past the group stages in South Africa. Pastor TB Joshua, known for his accurate prophetic messages and extensivecharitable activities, also has a football academy, My People FC, whichproduced the MVP of the U-17 World Cup in Sani Emmanuel.