Nigeria striker Tolu Arokodare explains touching prayer moment with Wout Weghorst

Super Eagles forward Tolu Arokodare has revealed that his post-match prayer with FC Twente striker Wout Weghorst was planned before their Eredivisie meeting, but a scheduling conflict forced the pair to postpone the moment until after the game.

The two forwards attracted widespread attention after holding hands and praying together on the pitch following Ajax’s 2-2 draw with FC Twente at De Grolsch Veste.

The gesture sparked conversations about faith and sportsmanship, with both players taking a moment to acknowledge their Christian beliefs despite representing opposing teams.

However, Arokodare has now disclosed that the prayer was not a spontaneous decision, explaining that he and Weghorst had discussed sharing a moment of worship before the encounter.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania, the Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee offered an insight into his relationship with the Dutch striker and how the memorable moment came about.

Arokodare clarified that although they were not particularly close, they had crossed paths previously and maintained a cordial relationship.

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

The Nigerian international explained that their shared faith had prompted discussions about praying together, with both players keen to acknowledge God before taking to the pitch.

“But before the game it was something that we spoke about that we wanted to share a moment a moment in Christ and praise and thank God before the game,” he added.

Weghorst’s meeting forced prayer postponement

According to Arokodare, their initial arrangement could not happen because Weghorst had another meeting to attend before the match.

That disruption meant they had to wait until the final whistle to share the moment they had discussed.

With both forwards finding the back of the net during the entertaining encounter, the opportunity eventually presented itself after the game.

Arokodare said their decision to pray together was also an expression of gratitude for completing the match without injuries and for their individual contributions.

“Actually but he was having a meeting so he couldn’t do it and it was just a moment that came about after the game to thank God for for the for the injury-free game and also thank God for blessing both of us each with goals and you know just appreciate God and show our our gratitude to him and and celebrate him,” he revealed.

The 25-year-old’s explanation offers further context to a gesture that attracted attention beyond the Netherlands, particularly among football supporters who appreciated the display of unity between two players from opposing sides.

Arokodare hopes gesture inspires others

Beyond their personal expressions of faith, Arokodare believes the moment carried a wider message about the role of Christianity in their lives.

The Nigerian forward said both players wanted their actions to demonstrate how their faith influences their careers and daily lives.

He also expressed hope that the gesture would positively influence others and encourage people to recognise the importance of their relationship with God.

“And hopefully have an impact with that with that gesture to show the world the impact of God in our lives. And we both felt it would be a a good moment to celebrate God and that’s what it was about,” he concluded.

The moment provided a striking contrast to the competitive nature of the encounter, with Arokodare and Weghorst putting their rivalry aside to share a personal expression of faith.

Their 2-2 draw had produced four goals, but the image of the two forwards holding hands in prayer emerged as one of the most memorable moments from the fixture.