ABSTRACT

While religious conflict remains the most prominent story related to Nigeria’s multireligious composition, the intersection of sport and religion offers opportunities for exploring and better understanding the complexity of Muslim-Christian encounters. Given the pervasiveness of religion in Nigeria and the importance placed on football for both entertainment and social unification, it is little wonder that religious organisations have become directly involved in utilising the sport for their own purposes. This chapter explores a number of Lagos-based football clubs owned by Christian organisations before transitioning to a case study of the Kaduna City Interfaith Football Club. The case offers a range of insights about how football has been used as a means to bring people together and act as a powerful bridge in the midst of violence and tension.