By Enitan Abdultawab
Former Nigeria U-23 coach Johannes “Bonfrère” Jo says he is yet to receive any reward or official recognition from the Nigerian government for leading the country’s Dream Team to a historic football gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.
In a recent interview with The Punch, the Dutch tactician said he remains disappointed that his contribution, 30 years after guiding Nigeria to become the first African nation to win Olympic football gold, has gone largely unacknowledged, despite many members of the victorious squad receiving national honours, houses and cash rewards.
“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.”
