Former Super Eagles boss, Bonfrere Jo who was brought to Nigeria by Dutchman Clemens Westerhof in the early 1990s after Super Eagles lost to Italy in their second-round match at USA ’94 World Cup stayed on and led the Olympics Eagles to win a gold medal at Atlanta ’96 has generated many Nigerians uproar over his recent claims alleged in a radio sports programme that Westerhof collected $100,000 bribe to lose the match against Italy.
Bonfere has now boldly refuted those claims revealing that he clearly has no intention of generating unnecessary controversy or dig up old wounds.
“As someone who has coached the Super Eagles on several occasions, I strongly believe in the future of Nigerian football. The national focus should be channelled towards ensuring that Nigerian players keep progressing individually so that Nigerian fans can relive more glorious moments like the ones experienced in USA ‘94 and in Atlanta ‘96,” he stated.
Bonfrere Jo further explained: “The history of Nigerian football is part of my life and career and I am proud to have contributed in making the 1990s a decade particularly rich for Nigerian football on the international scene.
“During the USA ’94 World Cup, it was universally recognised that the Super Eagles was made up of a particularly talented group of individually gifted players. And that Nigerian team could have beaten any opposition during that competition. On a personal level, I can only regret not pushing that generation of players into attaining their full potential. Especially considering we had a qualified and experienced technical staff. I share the regret many Nigerians had, of not seeing that squad reach the final four stage of that World Cup,” Bonfrere stated.
As many Nigerians, I also believed that getting to the semi-final was achievable. Such a feat was only hindered by other issues beyond our control at that time, sometimes you don’t have power over some things, no regrets.
