By Anayo Akwitti
The Federal Government should urgently review its welfare policies for former national team coaches and football stars whose contributions helped build Nigeria’s reputation in international football.
Media aide to former Super Eagles coach Bonfrere Johannes, Eze Okechukwu, made the call while accusing successive governments of failing to adequately honour the Dutch coaches who led Nigeria to major football successes.
Clemens Westerhof and Bonfrere helped build the Super Eagles team that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and qualified Nigeria for its first FIFA World Cup.
Bonfrere later led Nigeria’s Dream Team to Olympic gold at the 1996 Atlanta Games, defeating Brazil, Mexico and Argentina.
Okechukwu said the government had not adequately rewarded the coaches for those achievements.
He particularly questioned the reported allocation of houses to Westerhof and Bonfrere in Gwagwalada, Abuja, which he described as inadequate recognition for their contributions.
Okechukwu also accused the Lagos State Government of failing to honour an alleged commitment to allocate land to Bonfrere after the 1996 Olympic triumph.
According to him, Bonfrere’s lawyer petitioned the Senate over the matter in November 2025, but the coach was still waiting for a resolution.
He warned that the continued neglect of former sporting heroes could discourage younger Nigerians from making sacrifices for the country.
The coach called for a comprehensive welfare policy for former national team players, coaches and the families of deceased sporting heroes.
He urged the Federal Government to use the forthcoming Independence Day celebrations to honour Westerhof and Bonfrere, reforms in the Nigeria Football Federation, including greater involvement of former players in football administration.
