Former Dream Team coach Johannes Bonfrère has expressed disappointment over what he described as the Federal Government’s failure to recognise or reward his contribution to one of the country’s greatest sporting achievements.
His reaction comes thirty years after leading Nigeria to its historic Olympic football triumph.
Bonfrère, who guided Nigeria’s Dream Team to Africa’s first-ever Olympic football gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Games, said he remains the only key member of the victorious squad yet to receive official recognition or rewards from the government.
The Dutch tactician coached a star-studded team that featured Nwankwo Kanu, Austin Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, Taribo West, Celestine Babayaro, Garba Lawal and Emmanuel Amuneke to one of the most memorable campaigns in Olympic football history.
Nigeria defeated Brazil 4-3 after extra time in a dramatic semi-final before staging another comeback to beat Argentina 3-2 in the final, becoming the first African nation to win the Olympic football gold medal.
Although many members of the squad later received national honours, cash rewards and houses, Bonfrère said he had been overlooked despite playing a central role in the achievement.
The 80-year-old also disclosed that the Olympic gold medal awarded to him after the Atlanta Games was stolen while it was in the custody of a team official.
According to him, losing the medal remains one of the most painful experiences of his career, as it represented the pinnacle of his achievements in football.
“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 added, “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.”
