Abuja: The Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to deepening Nigeria-Israel diplomatic relations in sports.
Freeman communicated this on Saturday during an event celebrating the life of Moshe ‘Jerry’ Halevi, Nigeria’s first football manager and coach, who served from 1960 to 1961.
The envoy said Halevi, who was born on Nov. 14, 1912, and died on Feb. 3, 1997, was a good manager who designed the style and laid the groundwork for Nigerian football.
“When you are an ambassador, you learn a lot of interesting things.
“One of the things I learnt is that the very first coach of the Nigeria national team after independence was Jerry.
“If he were alive, he would have been 130 years of age.
“It would have been appropriate that we do something to celebrate his life, also celebrate football, other sports and everything that brings us together,” he said.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Sports Development, Shehu Dikko, commended Freeman for the initiative to celebrate Halevi, saying such would deepen Nigeria-Israel ties posthumously.
He said Nigeria appreciated the foundation Halevi laid in advancing the nation’s football.
“This reminds me that it is good to do something good; Jerry was here 1960 – 1961, and we are remembering him today.
“At least, all of us here from the sporting system have to learn something.
“When we leave here, we have also to start honouring our people and to honour what they have done for the country, which is a way to encourage those coming up.
“The plans you have, particularly for them, show what sports and indeed, football can do for us; football in Nigeria is more than religion, it is what binds us together and brings everyone together.
“Whatever we need to do collaboratively between Nigeria and Israel, we will support that; may Halevi’s soul rest in peace,” he said.
The event was attended by John Fashanu, a Nigerian-born former professional footballer who played as a centre-forward for England.
Others included Kanu Nwankwo, a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a forward; Daniel Amokachi, a Nigerian football manager and retired professional player; and diplomats and industry experts.
