– The Dutchman stated that he was contacted by the NFF in 1990
– That was after the 1990 Nations Cup in Algeria
Ex-Super Eagles coach Bonfrere Jo has finally explained how he saved fellow countryman Clemens Westerhof from being sacked as the Super Eagles handler in 1990.
This was after the 1990 African Cup of Nations held in Algeria in which Nigerian were unable to win the title, but only finished as second best in the championship.
While speaking with Brila FM from Holland, Jo Bonfrere stated that he was approached by the then board of the Nigeria Football Federation for him to replace Clemens Westerhof.
But instead of him to grab the job which his close friends then saw as a big opportunity, Jo Bonfrere claimed he rejected the chance so as for NFF not to sack Westerhof.
“I refused to take his job in 1990 in Algeria when the board asked me in a meeting that they would like to sack him and bring me as the head coach.
“But I refused that moment and I have refused many times,”. Bonfrere explained to Brila FM.
The 73-year-old Dutchman also explained that Nigeria’s 1996 Olympic squad to Atlanta 1996 was his best picking them above the 1994 Super Eagles side.
Jo added that the 1996 Olympic squad learnt from him how to play good football and attack opponents.
Meanwhile, Gernot Rohr is the present coach of the Super Eagles and winning bronze medal at the 2019 Nations Cup in Egypt has been his best.
He also led the Super Eagles to the Russia 2018 World Cup where Nigeria failed to make it out of the group stages.
Earlier, Legit.ng had reported how former Super Eagles technical adviser Bonfrere Jo accused Clemens Westerhof of selling Nigeria out in their FIFA World Cup debut in the United States.
The 79-year-old Dutchman led the country’s senior national team to their maiden global football showpiece appearance in 1994, months after leading them to Africa Cup of Nations glory.
Westerhof and his stars took the world by surprise after winning two of their three group matches – beating Bulgaria and Greece – but lost to Argentina.
Their impressive performances at the mundial earned the Eagles a place in the round of 16, and they were on the verge of reaching the quarterfinals before Roberto Baggio shattered the dream.
SOURCE: Legit.ng