MeHamizrach FC: Preparing for the Maccabi Games from Nigeria

By: Yerubabel Gideon, Captain of MeHamizrach FC.

Our friends and supporters, it’s a pleasure to reach out to you through these public statements. As captain of MeHamizrach FC and a management executive of our football association, I’m thrilled to announce our preparations for future participation in the Maccabi Games. MeHamizrach FC is Nigeria’s national team, comprised of talented young Jewish players from across our country. Our team represents the unity and passion for football that has long been a cornerstone of our extended communities.

Football has played a crucial role in fostering Jewish unity during our national youth Shabbat event since its inception. These once in a while gatherings bring youth from different parts of Nigeria to a host state, ending in an eagerly anticipated football match between the host state team and a visitors team. The excitement surrounding these games has become a highlight of our community calendar, with tales of the matches we played dominating discussions across Jewish enclaves in Nigeria for weeks afterward.

Our most recent outing on March 23rd in Port Harcourt was a testament to the skill and dedication of our national team. In a thrilling match against the host Rivers state team, MeHamizrach FC emerged victorious with a score of 4-1. This victory has further fueled our ambitions to compete on an international stage, and believe me there is no limitation to what can be achieved and the time to start is right now.

 

The Maccabi Games, often referred to as the “Jewish Olympics,” have a rich history dating back to 1932. These games bring together Jewish athletes from around the world to compete in various sports, celebrating both athletic achievement and Jewish unity. With participants from over 70 countries, the Maccabi Games have become one of the world’s largest sporting events. The Maccabi World Union is bringing together more Jews than any organization through sports and education, spanning six continents with 450 clubs and 450k members. No doubt- the Maccabiah is the only event that brings thousands of Jewish people together for an unforgettable experience.

Considering the available window of opportunity, our dream is to become the first Black Jewish team from West Africa to participate in this prestigious tournament. We are pushing hard to make this dream a reality, working tirelessly to improve our skills and secure the necessary support and resources. The prospect of representing Nigeria and our Jewish community on this global stage is incredibly exciting and motivating for our entire team.

As part of our ongoing efforts to prepare and possibly take part in the coming Maccabi Games, I’m pleased to announce an upcoming match on August 4th between MeHamizrach FC and our host team taking place in Abuja. This game will serve as a crucial step in our journey, allowing us to assess our progress and identify areas for improvement.

More importantly, this match will play a significant role in the selection process for our Maccabi Games team. We’ll be closely evaluating player performance to ensure we field the strongest possible squad for the international competition. This is an incredible opportunity for our players to showcase their talents and potentially earn a spot on the team that will represent us in Israel.

To all aspiring Jewish football players in Nigeria, I extend an open invitation to join us in this exciting endeavor. Whether you’re an experienced player or just beginning your football journey, we encourage you to reach out and become part of MeHamizrach FC. Your skills and passion could be the missing piece we need to succeed on the international stage.

We also call upon sponsors and supporters within our community and beyond. Your backing is crucial in helping us realize our dream of competing in the Maccabi Games. Whether through financial support, equipment donations, or simply spreading the word about our team, every contribution brings us one step closer to our goal.

Together, we can make history by bringing MeHamizrach FC to the Maccabi Games, showcasing the talent and spirit of Nigeria’s Jewish community to the world. Join us in this exciting journey as we strive to leave our mark on Jewish sports history.