Der schwarze Löwe (2008)

The football club SV Heidfeld is fighting to avoid relegation. After a 2–10 defeat, players from Africa are to be recruited at the suggestion of sponsor Wurnitsch and club president Havlicek. Unemployed coach Fred Gasser, whose son Tino played for the first team but quits because of his studies, opposes the idea. Fred initially considers giving up coaching. Soon afterward, Wurnitsch and Havlicek introduce the asylum seekers Lionel Akinola, Sam Yobo and Benjamin Nkempaleva from the Eastern Federal Care Center. Fred remains skeptical at first, but with the trio’s help, the club soon celebrates one victory after another. The residents’ initial hostility toward foreigners gives way to pride in their successful players. The team rises to the top of the table and competes for the title. During the penultimate match, Lionel, also known as the Black Lion, is arrested by the police, and his deportation is imminent. Sam goes into hiding. The team is weakened, and the community is outraged. The villagers campaign unsuccessfully for Lionel to be allowed to stay. Gitti and Gerri Seligmann stand surety for Lionel, allowing him to take part after all in the championship-deciding match, where he leads SV Heidfeld to victory. With Lionel’s deportation approaching, the community collects donations to help him get by financially during his first period in Nigeria. Lionel is eventually seen off by his friends at Schwechat Airport.