Mountain of Fire, miracles and football.

   Mountain of Fire and Miracles ministries is one of the few churches I haven't been to. The most common story we hear about the church is her military style of prayer. Scary if you ask me. It is said that a lazy and unfit person cannot pray in the church. I am neither lazy nor unfit, but I am not military. Me nor get the energy for dah kain prayer.

   An ex team mate of mine, Buchi Emmanuel Gabriel played for MFM FC in their early days. I remember going to watch the team play severally in Lagos. When in 2013, MFM took over the slot of Bolowatan FC in the Nigerian National League, their game as expected yagar' a yaga.  This was owing to the necessary reorganisation of the club. It must be noted that the owner of Bolowatan FC, Toyin Gafar, a practising muslim, handed over the slot to MFM at zero price. Over time, the improved and became one of the most disciplined sides in Lagos State. A strong rife with football notoriety and zero tolerance for 'nonsense' football. From that point, the only way for them was up.
  Fast forward to last season when they gained promotion to the Nigerian Premier League, many people did not expect much from them. I must say,  I did not too. Church? Which money? Tithes and offerings? Don't say! I believed the church wouldn't be able to handle the rigours of managing a football team. Alas, they proved me wrong. Playing their home games at the famed Agege Township Stadium Lagos, the team is today a force to reckon with in the home league. Called the Leicester FC of the Nigerian League because of their unprecedented early success, the club is now a darling of many league followers. Their game is beyond singing alleluia and military style prayers. Coached by Fidelis Ilechukwu, the team is known for their patient and persistent play. With unknown but now known players like Bashiru Monsuru, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi and petite plus very skillful Onuwa, the Nigerian football community is thrilled with the church side.
   Like earlier mentioned, I have not been to any Mountain Of Fire and Miracles service. Today, I won't mind. Reason? Football. By floating and running this football club, the church have succeeded in focusing the younger generation, reduced employment (players, technical crew and stadium management) and bringing in resources into Lagos State. As it stands, I have decided to defy the odds of their military style of prayers and attend the church on a given Sunday. In addition to giving thanks to God, I will mutter a silent appreciation to the church for identifying with the youths, streets and the Nigerian football community.

Follow Ikenna Enenta on Twitter @ikenna005
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