FWEEE!
The whistle blew, sharp and thin and all hell broke loose on the pitch as the Christmas game commenced, dust rising in its wake.
Christmas in Maitama had become something else entirely, a five-a-side match under the fading sun, neighbors crowding around like it was the Champions League final, Nigerian version.
Kids balanced on fences, men clapped rhythm on empty bottles, and women shouted encouragement between laughter.
It was simple, it was harmonious, and it was full of joyous energy.
This wasn't Barcelona. This wasn't the Bernabéu.
This was home.
Sam's team had the first kick of the game. Sophia insisted on starting, puffing her cheeks in determination. The crowd cheered wildly.
"Go Sophia!" They cheered as if she were the Ballon d'Or winner and not her brother. Sam smiled.
Well, at least she knew to pass to Sam. The first pass rolled back to Sam, but he barely nudged it forward before Ian lunged in recklessly, trying to nick the ball.
