Ministry leaders—and football fanatics—weigh in on the divine’s role in sports.
Few saw a third African Cup of Nations title in reach for Côte d'Ivoire’s men’s national football (soccer) team when they fired their coach at the beginning of the tournament. Or when they failed to land their desired next coach. Or when they were the last team that advanced out of the group round.
But somewhere along the way, as the team surmounted these setbacks and won elimination games in dramatic fashion, Elephants’ fans—Christians and Muslims alike—began to see their prayers as the reasons for their team’s success. “During games at the tournament, many fans use the halftime break to find a quiet corner or space at the back of the stands to lay down their prayer mats and pray,” noted the Associated Press. “Supporters kneel with their heads bowed in the same direction.”
On Sunday, Côte d'Ivoire beat Nigeria at home 2-1 for the championship, ending a thrilling tournament that included comebacks, overtime, penalties, the suspension of multiple top players, and winning a match where they were down a player for more than half of the game. So maybe these prayers worked?
CT asked African leaders in South Africa, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Togo, Nigeria, and Kenya about how the divine plays a role in victories—and defeats. Does God reward faithful athletes and fans with wins? Does God affect the performance of teams who have fan bases full of people who love Jesus? For teams with numerous Christian athletes, does God bless them with wins?
Responses have been edited for length and clarity and are arranged from yes to no.
Magloire Pilabana, chaplain, Athletes In Action, Togo
The Ivory Coast team won the African Cup in an incredible way. They scored at the …