Former Nigeria U-23 coach Johannes “Bonfrère” Jo has expressed disappointment over what he described as the Nigerian government’s failure to reward or officially recognise him for leading the country to its historic football gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.
Speaking in an interview with The Punch, the Dutch coach said that while members of the Dream Team received national honours, houses and cash rewards, he has never been recognised for his role in Nigeria becoming the first African nation to win Olympic football gold. “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,” Bonfrère said.
He further claimed that even his Olympic gold medal was stolen after the victory. He said: “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.”
The 80-year-old recalled that he lost the medal shortly after the medal presentation in Atlanta. “I don’t know how the medal was collected from me; I only know that when the players went upstairs, an official stopped me from going with them and the medal was gone,” he said.
Bonfrère said he has made several attempts over the years to seek recognition from the relevant authorities but without success. “I will be happy if something can be done because I have made several calls and sent messages but nobody was interested in helping me,” he said.
Bonfrère led one of the greatest achievements in Nigerian football history at the 1996 Olympic Games, where the Dream Team defeated Brazil 4-3 in a dramatic semi-final before coming from behind to beat Argentina 3-2 in the final to win the gold medal. The squad featured stars including Nwankwo Kanu, Austin Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, Taribo West, Celestine Babayaro, Garba Lawal and Emmanuel Amuneke.
