Nearly 30 years after leading Nigeria to its historic Olympic football triumph, former Super Eagles coach Johannes “Bonfrère” Jo says he is still waiting for the recognition and rewards he believes he deserves from the Nigerian government
The 80-year-old Dutch tactician guided the Dream Team to Africa’s first-ever Olympic football gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Games. Nigeria produced one of the tournament’s greatest runs, defeating Brazil 4-3 after extra time in the semi-finals before overcoming Argentina 3-2 in the final.
Although many members of the victorious squad later received national honours, cash gifts and houses, Bonfrère said he has never been rewarded for his role in the achievement.
“They were claiming that everyone has received their rewards, but I have not received anything; they have never given me the reward for winning the gold medal,” he said.
Bonfrère also revealed that the Olympic gold medal awarded to him after the final was stolen while it was in the custody of a Nigerian team official.
Describing the incident as one of the biggest disappointments of his career, he said he not only lost his medal but also never received any compensation from the government.
“Even my gold medal was stolen from me, and I still didn’t get a reward from the government, which all the players have received, including players who were not on the list,” he added.
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