.From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
Football icon, John Fashanu, has said football is not a game, but a way of life.
Fashanu stated this at the Local Education Authority Primary School, Area 10, Garki, Abuja, during the presentation of sports kit to students of the school by the Embassy of Israel in Abuja.
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.”
Speaking further, Fashanu stated that he was 60 years old and 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.
Fashanu disclosed that when the rain stops, himself, the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman and other guests, would be looking for the best and the next world-class players.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yaakov Blitshein, said not many people know that the first football coach of the Nigerian National Football Team was Israeli, Jerry Bet Halevi.
“He 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 the round leather game 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, which he hoped that that number would 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.
In her remarks, 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,” Oghiator said.