Moshe haLevi Cup launched in honour of Nigeria’s first-ever coach
The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has announced an initiative to honour Moshe haLevi, the first-ever coach of Nigeria’s men’s national football team, with a new tournament named after him. Freeman made the announcement during a ceremony in Abuja to unveil the Moshe haLevi Champions Cup, which kicks off this weekend at the LEA […]
The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has announced an initiative to honour Moshe haLevi, the first-ever coach of Nigeria’s men’s national football team, with a new tournament named after him.
Freeman made the announcement during a ceremony in Abuja to unveil the Moshe haLevi Champions Cup, which kicks off this weekend at the LEA Primary School 3, Wuse Zone 6, Abuja.
He noted that haLevi, who would have been 103 this year, played a foundational role in shaping Nigeria’s early football identity.
“Moshe kick-started the fortunes of Nigerian football, and I understand Nigeria has never ever played against Israel. I want this to be the first, in his honour,” he said.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, praised the initiative, stating that it had inspired him to rethink how Nigeria can better celebrate its sporting pioneers.
He pledged support to ensure the tournament grows into a platform that recognizes the legacies of figures who helped build Nigerian sports.
Moshe “Jerry” Beit haLevi accepted the role of Nigeria’s national team coach in 1960. His tenure began with a challenging 3–0 loss to Ghana, leading to press criticism and calls for his removal.
However, the Nigeria Football Association stood firmly behind him. His persistence paid off: in November 1960, he secured his first victory, a 2–1 win over Egypt, followed by two draws with Ghana in 1961.
His rapport with sportswriters strengthened, earning him positive media coverage.
HaLevi’s standout achievement came with Nigeria’s 2–1 win over Tunisia in the 1962 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.