There were serious concerns for the safety and welfare of Nigerian soccer players based in Israel after armed groups attacked Israel early Saturday morning, Soccernet.ng reported.
At least 18 Nigerian soccer players are active in various league divisions in Israel, and are on alert following the recent escalation in violence, with Hamas militants firing thousands of rockets into Israel from Gaza. is increasing.
Among those who may be affected are Super Eagles goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye and midfielder John Ogu, who play for Hapoel Jerusalem and Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa respectively.
Adelai will join the Super Eagles squad and will play in two international friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique next week.
Ogu, a member of the Super Eagles squad that won bronze at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, was not selected for these matches.
For now, the direct impact of the escalating crisis on Israeli players in Nigeria remains unclear.
However, there are concerns that the situation could deteriorate quickly.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has unequivocally declared that “Israel is at war” following a tragic early morning surprise attack from Gaza that left at least 22 people dead.
The Israel Defense Forces reports that fighting continues in several locations, and some Israeli residents claim insurgents have tried to break into their homes.
Hamas claimed that the militants captured several Israeli soldiers near the border after entering the country by land, sea and air using paragliders.
The timing of the attack coincided with the 50th anniversary of the 1973 war, when Arab countries launched attacks against Israel on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It’s making the situation even worse.
Reactions from European Leaders
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the terrorist attack, saying:
“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attacks currently hitting Israel.” I express my full solidarity with the victims, their families and loved ones. ”
Federal Prime Minister Olaf Scholz was shocked by the rocket fire from Gaza and the escalating violence, saying:
“Germany condemns the Hamas attack and supports Israel.”
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed shock at the attack on Israeli citizens by Hamas terrorists and emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense. He also pointed out that British nationals in Israel should follow travel advice.
The situation remains uncertain and further developments are expected in the coming days as efforts are made to restore stability in the region.
Nigerian players in Israel
1. Imo Freitag – Beitar Jerusalem2. Godwin Cinemelen – Bnei Zakunin
3. Philippe Hypoel – Hapoel Hadera
4. Adedayo Adeleye – Hapoel Jerusalem5. Muhammed Usman – Maccabi Bnei Raina
6. Ibrahim Jabar – Maccabi Petah Tikva
7. Fortune Bassi – Hapoel Petah Tikva
8. Goodnews Igbokwe – Hapoel Ramat Gan
9. Peter Onyekachi – Hapoel Ramat Hasharon
10. Yamba Harry – There is nothing like you
1 Benjamin Thomas Chicken – Sekzia Ness Tziona
1 Oda Marshall – Hapoel Kfar Saba
1 Joseph Adda – You There is nothing like
1 Evo Christ Emim – Ironikiriyat Shmona
1 John Og – Maccabi Kabirio Jaffa
16. Stephen Alfred – Maccabi Herzliya17. Jerry Akose – Ihud Bnei Shfaram
18. Chikelba Francis Ofedu – Agudat Sports Ashdod
