NIGERIA, Dec. 5 -- There are moments in the life of a nation when its greatest strength is not measured in military might or economic power, but in the depth of its maturity under pressure. In recent weeks, Nigeria displayed exactly that. As accusations of "Christian genocide" gained traction in Washington, triggering agitation among U.S. lawmakers, advocacy groups and foreign policy hawks, Nigeria stood on the brink of a diplomatic inferno. Yet, without fanfare or confrontation, the country diffused one of the most dangerous geopolitical tensions in years. While many watched anxiously, wondering if the crisis would escalate into sanctions or military posturing, Nigeria quietly executed a masterclass in diplomacy.

This is the story of ho...