‘It Will Not Happen Again’: Jerry Eze Reacts to Old Trafford Prayer Conference Chaos

Pastor Jerry Eze has apologised to worshippers who were unable to gain entry to the NSPPD UK Prayer Conference at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium after the event drew more people than could be accommodated.

The prayer gathering, organised by Eze’s Streams of Joy International, took place on Saturday, September 26, with worshippers travelling from across the United Kingdom and other countries to attend. Entry was free, but attendees were required to register in advance because of limited capacity.

In a video message on Monday, Eze apologised to those who were turned away, saying some worshippers had travelled from countries including Australia, North Macedonia and Sweden.

The pastor said he was particularly troubled after learning that large numbers of people had been unable to enter despite travelling long distances for the conference.

Eze described the situation as being beyond his control and that of Streams of Joy International. He also acknowledged the disappointment expressed by affected attendees on social media.

“I want to say I am sorry. Please forgive us,” Eze said while addressing those who could not gain access.

He promised that lessons would be taken from the incident and assured worshippers that the same situation would not happen at the next gathering.

“I assure you next year, next year, you will look back and say they really took note of it,” he said.

Eze’s comments came after Old Trafford hosted thousands of worshippers for the conference, which featured prayer, worship and gospel music. The stadium has a capacity of about 74,000, and reports said the available spaces had been filled ahead of the event.

Gospel ministers including Mercy Chinwo, Dunsin Oyekan, Sunmisola Agbebi and Kaestrings also participated in the programme alongside Eze.

The exact number of people who were denied entry has not been independently confirmed. Eze referred to those affected as “tens of thousands” in his apology.

The conference was held at one of the world’s most recognisable football stadiums as the NSPPD prayer movement brought worshippers together for a large-scale gathering in Manchester.

Eze ended his message by repeatedly apologising to those affected and assuring them that the experience would inform preparations for future NSPPD events.