Lagos: The Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to deepening Nigeria-Israel diplomatic relations in the area of sports. Freeman communicated this during an event celebrating the life of Moshe ‘Jerry’ Halevi, Nigeria’s first football manager and coach, who served from 1960 to 1961.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the envoy highlighted Halevi’s contributions to Nigerian football, noting that he was a good manager who designed the style and laid the groundwork for the sport in the country. Freeman remarked on the importance of honoring Halevi’s legacy, stating, ‘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 Nigeria national team after independence was Jerry. If he was alive, he would have been 130 years of age. It would have been appropriate that we are going to do something to celebrate his life, also celebrate football, other sports and everything that brings us together.’
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Sports Development, Shehu Dikko, praised Freeman for the initiative to posthumously celebrate Halevi, emphasizing that such actions would strengthen Nigeria-Israel ties. Dikko acknowledged the foundation laid by Halevi in advancing Nigeria’s football, saying, ‘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 to also start honouring our people and to honour what they have done for the country, which is a way to encourage those coming up.’
Dikko further expressed support for collaborative efforts between Nigeria and Israel in sports, noting, ‘The plans you have, particularly for them shows 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.’
The event was attended by notable figures, including John Fashanu, a Nigerian-born former professional footballer who played as a centre-forward for England, as well as Kanu Nwankwo and Daniel Amokachi, both former professional footballers from Nigeria, along with diplomats and industry experts.