Former Nigeria Under-23 coach Johannes Bonfrère has expressed disappointment over what he described as the Federal Government’s failure to reward or officially recognise him for leading Nigeria to its historic football gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.
Speaking in an interview with The Punch, the Dutch tactician said that while members of Nigeria’s celebrated Dream Team received national honours, houses and cash rewards, he had not received any form of recognition for guiding the country to its greatest football achievement at the Olympics.
“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.
The 80-year-old also alleged that his Olympic gold medal was stolen shortly after the medal presentation in Atlanta.
“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 said.
Recalling the incident, Bonfrère said he lost the medal after officials prevented him from following the players upstairs after the presentation ceremony.
“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 added.
The former coach said he had made several efforts over the years to seek recognition from the relevant authorities but received no response.
“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 Nigeria’s Dream Team to one of the country’s greatest sporting achievements at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, where the team became the first African nation to win the men’s Olympic football tournament.
Nigeria produced one of the tournament’s most memorable comebacks by defeating Brazil national under-23 football team 4-3 in the semi-final before overcoming Argentina national under-23 football team 3-2 in the final to secure the gold medal.
The historic squad featured some of Nigeria’s biggest football stars, including Nwankwo Kanu, Jay-Jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, Taribo West, Celestine Babayaro, Garba Lawal and Emmanuel Amuneke.
Bonfrère’s remarks have renewed attention on the recognition accorded to members of the 1996 Dream Team, widely regarded as one of the greatest teams in Nigerian football history.
