By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
Nigeria’s first National Football Coach is an Israeli national, the Director-General of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yaakov Blitshein, has disclosed.
This just as Football Icon Ambassador John Fashanu, has said that football is not just a game, but a way of life.
The two diplomats stated this during the presentation of sports kits to students of
the Local Education Authority Primary School in Abuja, by the Embassy of Israel on Monday.
According to the Director General, not many people know that the first football coach of the Nigerian National Football Team Jerry Bet Halevi, an Israeli who he said coached the Nigerian national Team between 1960 and 1961.
“Since then, the Super Eagles have gone on to have some notable successes, and I am so pleased that with us today is one of the most successful Nigerian footballers of all time, Ambassador John Fashanu,” Blitshein said.
Speaking on the importance of football, Blitshein also said it is a game that brings people together and can help young people learn teamwork and discipline and teach them important life lessons.
He added that Nigeria and Israel have always had strong football connections and today, almost 30 Nigerians play in the Israeli football league, and hoped that the number will increase.
“I am also pleased to announce that over the next year, we are going to hold a series of events celebrating Coach Bet Halevi and the links between Israeli and Nigerian football, including the first-ever Jerry Bet Halevi Cup competition,” Blitshein also said.
While addressing the students, Fashanu said: “Just know that football is not a game. Football, I repeat myself, football is not a game. Football is a way of life.”
Fashanu further stated that even at present age at he 60 years old he is still playing football and still coaching football.
“So, in here, we have the next John Fashanus, we have the next Peles and I know we’ve got them,” Fashanu also said.
Speaking while receiving the football kits on behalf of the school management, the Assistant Head Teacher (1), Oghiator Philomena, said football was not a small game.
“Football is a game that takes students to a greater height. We thank God that you are in our midst today”. She also extended their gratitude to the Embassy of Israel.
Speaking while receiving the football kits on behalf of the school management, the Assistant Head Teacher, Oghiator Philomena, said football was not a small game.
“Football is a game that takes students to a greater height. We thank God that you are in our midst today”. She also extended their gratitude to the Embassy of Israel.
