Bonfrère Jo Laments Lack of Recognition 30 Years After Nigeria’s Olympic Gold

Former Nigeria Dream Team coach Johannes “Bonfrère” Jo says that 30 years after leading Nigeria to Africa’s first-ever Olympic football gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games in Georgia, USA, he is yet to receive any reward or official recognition from the Nigerian government.

Speaking in an interview, The 80-year-old Dutch coach said that while many members of the victorious squad received national honours, cash rewards and houses, he got nothing, adding that the Olympic gold medal presented to him was stolen after a team official stopped him from accompanying the players.

Bonfrère explained that he has repeatedly contacted the relevant authorities to seek recognition, but his efforts have produced no result, describing the loss of his medal as one of the most painful moments of his career with Nigeria.

He said he still hopes the Nigerian government will eventually acknowledge and reward his contribution to the historic achievement of guiding stars such as Nwankwo Kanu, Austin Okocha, Daniel Amokachi and Emmanuel Amuneke to Olympic glory.