The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Michael Freeman, on Monday, said the inauguration of the Moshe “Jerry” Halevi football tournament would bolster the friendship and shared history of the strong and growing bond between Nigeria and Israel.
Freeman,at the inauguration of the maiden Jerry Halevi Cup tournament organised by the Daniel Amokachi Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, on Monday in Abuja, stated that the tournament is designed to pay tribute to Halevi, a legendary Israeli coach whose legacy is entwined in the fabric of the Nigerian football system.
According to him, Halevi had the unique distinction of being the first head coach of the Nigerian national team from 1960 to 1961.
“Today, we are deeply honoured to inaugurate the Jerry Bet Halevi Cup, a football tournament that pays tribute to a remarkable man, whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of Nigerian football.
“Halevi’s passion, discipline and vision helped to shape the early foundations of football in this country, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire generations.
“This tournament is more than a sporting event, it is a celebration of friendship, a recognition of shared history, and a testament to the strong and growing bond between Nigeria and Israel.
“Through sports, and football in particular, we are reminded of a powerful truth: Football unites us. Fans do not care about differences in tribe, religion, or geography.
“They care about heart, about commitment, about the pride of wearing their team’s colours. In a world too often divided, football shows us what unity looks like,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to the Daniel Amokachi Foundation for the initiative, leadership, partnership, and unwavering support in making the tournament a reality.
This, according to him, is a dedication to youth, talent development, and to use sport as a force for good, thereby exemplifying everything that the event stands for.
“As we honour Halevi’s life and legacy, we also look forward with ambition and optimism, hoping this will be the first of many initiatives that celebrate the rich football connections between our two great nations.
“Nigeria and Israel share deep ties in innovation, culture, and now, more visibly than ever, in sport.
“May this tournament inspire young players across Nigeria, strengthen our bilateral friendship, and remind us of the extraordinary impact one individual can make across borders and generations,” he said.
The organiser, Daniel Amokachi, in a media interaction stated that the initiative is not just to discover football talents across Abuja streets, but to engage young people meaningfully.
According to him, young people are happy playing football as the competing teams display in their quest to win the trophy.
“The competing teams reflect the name of Abuja Area Councils and suburbs, such as Gwagwalada, Gwarimpa, Life Camp among others in this maiden edition sponsored by the Israeli Embassy in collaboration with the Foundation.
“There is a cash prize with the participating team getting N500,000, the overall winner not less than N1 million plus the N500,000, while the runner-up gets another N500,000 plus the initial N500,000.
There were also awards for highest goal scorer and best goalkeeper,” Amokachi said.
The tournament, tagged “7v7 street football” was designed to foster unity in diversity through street football competitions among players selected from various teams across the area councils in Abuja. (NAN)