File: Bonfrere Jo celebrating the gold medal.
Thirty years after guiding Nigeria to its first and only Olympic football gold medal, former Dream Team coach Johannes “Bonfrère” Jo has expressed disappointment that the Nigerian government is yet to recognise or reward his role in one of the nation’s greatest sporting achievements, The PUNCH reports.
Bonfrère led a talented generation featuring Nwankwo Kanu, Austin Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, Taribo West, Celestine Babayaro, Garba Lawal and Emmanuel Amuneke to one of football’s greatest Olympic stories.
Nigeria defeated Brazil 4-3 after extra time in a memorable semi-final before coming from behind to beat Argentina 3-2 in the final at the Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, becoming the first African nation to win Olympic football gold.
While many members of the victorious squad received national honours, cash rewards and houses in the years that followed, Bonfrère believes his role has largely been forgotten.
