Nigerian Footballer Andrew Idoowu Credits Mother's Prayers for Move to Israel

Andrew Idoowu, a 20-year-old Nigerian talent for Hapoel Jerusalem, has shared personal insights in an interview, revealing that his mother's prayers were instrumental in his decision to move to Israel to play football. Idoowu, who recently scored twice in his team's 4-2 victory over Hapoel Petah Tikva, described his upbringing in Nigeria as challenging but filled with dreams of playing abroad. He hails from the northern part of the country, a region known for its footballing talent, often referred to as the 'Brazil of the North,' producing players like Umar Sadiq and Moses Simon.

Idoowu realized his potential as a footballer when he was invited for trials by a first-division team while playing in an academy, despite his father's initial disapproval. The opportunity to play in Israel arose unexpectedly when he received a call from an unknown individual. Initially hesitant and confused, Idoowu discussed the offer with his mother. She advised him to wait two days for her to pray about it. Following her prayers, she confirmed that her vision indicated he could move to Israel, giving him the green light.

He expressed deep gratitude towards Hapoel Jerusalem's staff, particularly Ziv Ariyeh and Lior Zada, for welcoming him like a son. Looking ahead, Idoowu stated the team's ambition is to fight for every point and see what unfolds, driven by strong motivation from the coaching staff. When asked about the toughest opponents in the Israeli league, he singled out Eliyal Peretz and Dor Peretz.

Idoowu also shared his positive impressions of Israel, noting the respect he has for everyone. He humorously mentioned that locals often approach him speaking Hebrew, assuming he understands, and that while he hasn't tried many local dishes, he prefers hummus in a sandwich.