ABSTRACT
How do two generations that share the same geographic space perceive and apprehend the beautiful game? This chapter discusses the way in which these generations of Yoruba Nigerians engage the game of soccer. The chapter analyzes how traditional religious credo, values and ideas have also come to incorporate a multitude of perspectives that question and at the same time reinforce old ideas of winning football matches. Taking its cue from the antics and enthusiasm of Ganiyu Elekuru (a.k.a Baba Eleran) the head of the supporters’ club of the Ibadan-based Industrial Investment and Credit Corporation (IICC) football club fame and his rumored love for the occult, the narrative juxtaposes the past image of football enthusiasm with the glory of modern football. It highlights the ‘corrupting’ strains of the past available in the present. Finally, it establishes a dialogue that shows the significance of place, space and time in the game of soccer. The chapter, adopting the historical and empiricist traditions expresses the complex relationship between culture, memory, reality and the senses.
